Helplines in East Lothian, Scotland.

Are you struggling to cope with a physical illness? Contact a helpline in East Lothian, Scotland for support.

A chronic, life-altering, or life-threatening diagnosis can come as a shock. The effects of physical illness may make it hard to maintain a positive mental, emotional and spiritual outlook. There are counselors and volunteers at 1 helplines in East Lothian, Scotland who you can confide in when you feel:

• Self-hate over what you’ve become or what feel you must have done to deserve it.
• That you are struggling to cope with the unpredictable or disabling aspects of your illness.
• Unsure how to process the reality of death or come to terms with your mortality.
• Guilt about the burden your physical illness has placed on your family and friends.
• Worried about how you’ll look after your family when you are sick, you lose your job, or become disabled.
• Afraid of what the future holds, including the pain you may feel, disabilities or death.
• Isolated from friends and family due to the physical and mental effects of your condition.
• That life isn’t worth living, given the limitations and pain associated with your medical condition.

Hospital visits, pain and disability can take an overwhelming toll on your emotions. Medication and prolonged periods of stress can make it hard to function and think clearly from day to day. You may feel isolated, burdensome and unable to cope.

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 East Lothian, Scotland who understands the unspoken effects of physical illness on mental health.