Based on Joe’s dedication to his family, as well as the extra emotional and financial strain being placed on the family due to Susan’s diagnosis and subsequent prognosis, several things can be deduced about Joes sleep patterns. For example, it is likely the stress will interfere with his sleeping patterns, disrupting it intermittently, or sending Joe into a pattern of depressive hibernation . He may attempt to compensate for the lack of financial income, once brought in by Susan, which could provide distraction, however, and the overworking may allow him to maintain a relatively normal sleep schedule sometimes. The aforementioned patterns will affect Joe’s health in mind, body, and spirit negatively. Joe will likely be too tired from lack of sleep to take care of himself physically and emotionally, or he will feel too overworked to pay these feelings attention, and attend to them .
In an effort to maintain a strong relationship with his children during the remainder of Susan’s life, Joe must work to take care of himself. Losing himself to depression will also deprive his children of their remaining potentially healthy parent . Establishing a routine for the children that includes Susan, as well as her cancer prognosis is important. While it is not necessary to create an atmosphere of despair for the children, or to mention Susan’s prognosis constantly, it is important they feel comfortable sharing their feelings with both parents, especially their father . Moreover, Joe can continue bonding with his children through the remainder of Susan’s life by making the time as consistently happy and meaningful as he can.
There are also things Joe can do to make Susan’s remaining time easier for her, not just the children. She will be feeling a range of emotions, and should be able to express them, as she needs to. Joe should not feel obligated to turn her mind from depressing or angry thoughts, for example. Allowing Susan to expressing negative emotions is natural . Much like with his children, Joe can continue making Susan’s remaining time meaningful. He can take care of himself, but also take care of Susan, even if she is having a difficult time. Reminding her of the most meaningful moments of their marriage, motherhood, and her life in general is something Joe can also do. If there are things Susan feels she has left unfinished, he can help her accomplish them so the remainder of her time is not spent filled with anxiety, but instead in peace.
Concerning Joe’s emotional health, while he is caring for his children, his wife both emotionally and financially it will be easy for him to forget about himself. Most importantly, Joe will need to remind himself if he does not take care of himself emotionally, he will begin to forget about his family emotionally. In order to avoid this, and to help keep his family afloat, Joe can take a few moments out of his day to assess his own needs, and alleviate any emotions he may be having. There are also support groups available where Joe will be able to speak to others who are experiencing the same situation as him. They may be able to offer advice, and even if they cannot, they can offer a type of empathy and support friends are not able to offer that will allow Joe to feel understood and perhaps less alone. Palliative care and hospice, or care during instances when Susan’s health is most at risk can also help in Joe’s emotional help, as he will feel less alone.
Works Cited
Delgado-Guay, Marvin, et al. "Spirituality, Religiosity, and Spiritual Pain Among Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer." American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (2013): 455-461. Print.
Heins, M.J., et al. "Effect of the partner's health and support on cancer patients' use of general practitioner care." Psycho-Oncology (2015): 346-349. Print.
Kissane, David W. "Marriage Is As Protective As Chemotherapy in Cancer Care." Journal of Clinical Oncology (2013): 3852-3853. Print.
Youngmee, Kim, Lucette Aurelie and Loscalzo Matthew. "Bereavement Needs of Adults, Children, and Families After Cancer." The Cancer Journal (2013): 444-457. Print.
