How to start accepting help

Keep the door open

Don’t say no off the bat. When you’re asked how you are, or someone asks how they can help, you might find yourself reflexively answering, “I’m fine!”—even when it’s not true. But see if you can keep the conversation going.

Many cancer patients are uncomfortable discussing how they feel, or think things will improve on their own.³

Start small. Whether you’re asking for help or someone’s offering it to you, it’s about being open to the connection. Maybe it’s coffee, a meal, or a grocery run. Maybe you just want someone to hear how you’re feeling. You don’t have to hand over all the reins if you don’t want to. Just try saying yes.

Lean on community

Seek out people who get it. Has anyone in your life or social circles been through something similar? Ask them for a walk, a coffee, or a phone call. If you're not sure who to go to, there might be communities nearby or online that can help. (Try starting with the resources section at the bottom of this post.)

 60 percent of cancer patients in a 2022 survey felt support groups would help improve their emotional wellbeing. ³

Overwhelmed? Choose a contact person. Keeping people updated, on top of managing your day-to-day, can feel like a lot. Consider having a point person share updates with your family members, friends, and community to take some of the pressure off you. Someone might volunteer, or you can ask someone you feel comfortable with.

Tend to yourself

Need a break? Use your support system. What brings you joy or recharges you? Can you fit even a half hour of solo time into your schedule? And if that means moving some things around or getting transportation, who can you ask to help you? Filling your own cup is important. Not just so you can be helpful—so that you can feel your best. 

Cancer patients want resources beyond counseling, too. Many feel that exercise and meditation can help support them.³

And remember: you’re not a burden. Just like anyone else, you need rest. You have limits. You deserve space to decompress, to share small and big feelings, and to take breaks. If you’re feeling like that’s not possible, it’s time to ask for help. 

DIVE IN: 

Talk About It offers lots of resources around cancer and mental health, including stories from patients and caregivers, webinars, and quick factsheets.

Even when you feel alone—you’re not

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, bottled up, or like your mental health could use some support, there are so many resources that can help. Tools, communities, and media that focus on you as a whole, and not just the diagnosis that’s affecting you. 

Here’s where you can start with LLS resources: 

• Information Specialists: our blood cancer Information Specialists are highly trained oncology nurses and social workers, who can help you with the challenges a diagnosis brings—including helping you find support and mental health resources.
• LLS Community: LLS Community is an online gathering place for blood cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Ask questions, get support, and hear from other people who get what you're going through.
• Support groups: There are almost 100 in-person and/or virtual LLS support groups across the U.S. Find the one closest to you to connect with people who might share parts of your experience.
• Peer-to-peer volunteers: Our Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection® Program can connect blood cancer patients and their family members to volunteers with similar experiences—based on factors like age, diagnosis, and more. It’s a chance to speak to someone who really knows what you’re going through.
• Online chats: LLS hosts weekly online live chats to connect people with similar experiences. We have chats that are specific to blood cancer types, as well as chats for caregivers, veterans, young adults, and more.
• Podcast episodes: The Bloodline with LLS is our podcast for all things blood cancer. You can search by topic to find what’s right for you, including episodes on mental health, being a caregiver, survivorship, and much more!
• Free informational booklets: our library of booklets covers so many topics, including the emotional side of a blood cancer diagnosis. Try starting with these:
  • Each New Day
  • Managing Stress: how stress affects you and ways to cope
  • Mental Health 

Sources

1. Wheldon, Christopher W., Yeganeh Shahsavar, Avishek Choudhury, Bryan P. McCormick, and Juan R. Albertorio-Díaz. 2025. “Loneliness among Adult Cancer Survivors in the United States: Prevalence and Correlates.” Scientific Reports 15 (1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-85126-8.
2. Cancer Support Community. n.d. Review of Mental Health Is a Critical Component of Quality Cancer Care. Talk about It. BeOne. Accessed May 2, 2025. https://cancerandmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Updated_BeiGene_Infographic_BeOne_3.31.pdf.
3. Cancer Support Community. 2022. Review of Patients and Caregivers Fact Sheet. Talk about It. BeOne. 2022.https://cancerandmentalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TAI_Patients__Caregivers_Fact_Sheet_Final_BeOne_3.31.pdf.