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 4 helplines in Hong Kong where you can confide in volunteers or counselors for support when you feel:

That you are powerless, hopeless or burdensome.
Regret or shame about what you may have done to cause or deserve your illness.
Isolated from those who don’t comprehend your discomfort or the seriousness of your condition.
Anger and disbelief about your diagnosis, and constantly asking yourself, “why me?”
Worry that you are a burden and no longer as active or capable as before.
Worried about how you’ll look after your family when you are sick, you lose your job, or become disabled.
Cut off from your family and friends who cannot understand what you are going through.
Afraid about the uncertainty of life and the pain you may feel from your symptoms.

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.

You have the potential to face physical illness with grace and resilience. To do so, you need to nurture your mental and emotional wellbeing. You can start by confiding in someone in Hong Kong who understands how deeply medical distress can affect your mental health. Reaching for support does not make you weak, helpless or incapable – it just means you’re human.