Helplines in Kent, England.

Feeling defeated by the impacts of a physical illness? Free helplines are available in Kent, England

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 0 helplines in Kent, England where you can confide in volunteers or counselors for support when you feel:

• Frustration and anger about the uncertainty and disabilities associated with your illness.
• Cut off from your family and friends who cannot understand what you are going through.
• Fear that you'll be defined by your medical condition, instead of who you really are.
• Regret or shame about what you may have done to cause or deserve your illness.
• Depression about the life you've lost, things you cannot do, and places you cannot go.
• That you can no longer be a valuable member of your family or social group.
• That you are struggling to cope with the unpredictable or disabling aspects of your illness.
• Unable to cope mentally or emotionally with the pain and discomfort you feel.

Physical illness can disrupt your sleep patterns, family life, social life, work life, and your ability to function as normal. Medication, pain and exhaustion can make it difficult to think straight or process your feelings. A bad diagnosis can feel devastating.

No matter your diagnosis or medical outlook, you have the power to face the emotional challenges of physical illness with grace – but you do need support. Reaching out for help does not imply that you are weak or powerless – it simply indicates that you are human. Speak to a volunteer or counselor in Kent, England who understands the unspoken effects of physical illness on mental health.