Three of the most important needs you might have are: support, information and reassurance.
support
Most support often comes from your family. In some cases it may not be from your parents. It may be brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles or grandparents.
Friends can also offer good support. They may not always understand what’s going on in your life. But being with your friends is a chance to feel ‘normal’ again.
It’s ok to want to spend time alone too. Some people need their own space at times to think things over. Let your family and friends know that you want to be on your own sometimes.
Some people find that a counsellor can support them through the changes within their family. They can often help you make sense of what’s happening and why you feel the way you do. The guidance staff at your school or college is also there to give you support.
It can also help to share your experience with others who have gone through something similar. Check out our share it section. You can read other peoples stories and tips that helped them. You’ll also find some links in our other stuff section that can help.
information
Learning about the type of cancer your brother or sister has and the treatments they’ll be given can help you understand and cope with things better.
Most young people want clear and honest information about what’s happening and why. Our understand it section gives you information about cancer and its treatment. You can also find some helpful information about side effects in our deal with it section.
Some of the words used when someone is sick can be confusing. There's also a dictionary which can help you understand what it all means.
reassurance
You might just want someone to reassure you that what you’re feeling is normal. Maybe you want to be reassured that your brother or sister is going to be well again. Getting information can often help give you some of that reassurance. Your family will also be able to help.
