People who have lost their appetites may feel self-conscious about eating at home with the family or eating out with friends. Eating is usually a social event, so even if you feel you cannot manage a full meal, there is no reason for you to feel excluded. Your friends and family will usually understand and will enjoy being with you, even if you can’t eat as much as usual.
Sometimes, perhaps when you are feeling tired or sick, you may not be able to prepare food. If you are the person in your family who usually prepares the meals, it can feel strange to stand back and let someone else take charge. It is important not to feel guilty about letting someone else do things you usually do, when you are unwell. After all, when you feel better again you can always take up your responsibility for cooking once more.
If you live on your own and need help with cooking, or around the house generally, contact your GP, district nurse or social worker, so that they can arrange for a home help, meals-on-wheels or a local organisation to help you with cooking or shopping.
Don’t hesitate to ask for professional help if you are finding it difficult to cope with your illness and your emotions. Talking about your feelings can often help to make things clearer for you, and give other people the chance to understand how you are feeling. You may find it helpful to talk to a professional counsellor or a local support group. You can find a counsellor by contacting the Cancer Counselling Trust.
Don’t see it as a sign of failure that you have not been able to cope on your own. Once people understand how you are feeling they can be more supportive.
