Free emotional support hotlines for chronic and physical illness in Washington

Struggling to deal with the effects of physical illness? Get support from a hotline in Washington, United States

Everything changes when you’re diagnosed with a serious, chronic or life-threatening physical illness. Coping with your new reality can be challenging, especially when you feel isolated or alone. You are valued. There are 2 helplines in Washington, United States where you can confide in volunteers or counselors for support when you feel:

• That you are struggling to cope with the unpredictable or disabling aspects of your illness.
• Anger and disbelief about your diagnosis, and constantly asking yourself, “why me?”
• Worried about how you’ll look after your family when you are sick, you lose your job, or become disabled.
• Shame and sadness about becoming a burden to others.
• That your medical condition is having a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing.
• That life isn’t worth living, given the limitations and pain associated with your medical condition.
• Regret or shame about what you may have done to cause or deserve your illness.
• Cut off from your family and friends who cannot understand what you are going through.

Illness is usually unexpected, and it sometimes seems unfair. Perhaps the news or consequences of your illness has made you feel numb with shock and disappointment, or overwhelmed with powerful emotions. The inability to think straight or function may make you feel frustrated, anguished or useless. You are still valued.

You have the potential to face the challenges of illness with resilience and grace – but you do need support. By reaching to a helpline in Washington, United States, you can talk with counselor or volunteer who understands the unspoken, emotional effects of physical illness. Contacting a helpline doesn't mean you're weak – it simply shows that you are human.