Solidarity in support groups
HER life crumbled eight years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Saidathul Nizah Mat Tazin’s fear of death haunted her and she no longer had the will to live.
Then she found out about the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).
“I was broken. I felt very weak. I did not know what to do. I felt that life was really unfair.
“But, I convinced myself that there would always be a solution to a problem and I need to have faith in God.
“Although it was hard to look forward to living, I believe God was testing me as things always happen for a reason.”
She said seeking help from the society helped her a lot during her recovery journey from cancer to overcome her fears.
“Although your family is there for you, you will feel the need to talk to people who are going through the same thing as you because they will understand you better.
“With support groups, patients can not only open up about things that are bothering them, it can also help them heal by having someone listen to their concerns.
“Survivors can also share the problems they face and how to handle some issues, based on what they went through.”
She said support groups helped patients cope by providing emotional support, and patients gain strength by knowing that others are going through the same challenges.
She said patients could consult experts for advice or seek alternative treatments.
“Patients must take the initiative to see doctors and seek advice.
“It is important for them to be prepared mentally and physically when they go for treatment.”
She said patients could also use supplements to help them heal and return to normal life.
Cindy W. Law was at a loss when she found out her then 6year-old son was autistic.
She turned to a support group, the National Autism Society of Malaysia, to help her face the challenges of raising an autistic child.
She said the support group helped her faced her problems as it brought together people who were facing similar issues to share experiences and advice.
“As a mother of an autistic child, support groups can be very helpful by just getting to talk to other people who are in the same situation.
“Not everyone finds the support offered by family and friends to be helpful. Instead, they turn to others outside their immediate circle to help them cope and feel less isolated.
“The advantage of a support group is that it helps people who are going through challenges realise that they are not alone, and it is a huge relief.
“It is heartbreaking for any mother to learn that their child has been diagnosed with an illness, and they will do anything in their power to help their children lead a normal life.
“Handling an autistic child is not easy task because they are sometimes aggressive, and people will feel awkward around them,” she said, adding that the society helped her to have a positive perspective on things.