Relationships and sexuality

In a good relationship, you can express your feelings freely. How does illness affect relationships?

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Setbacks, such as illness, are part of life. Everyone’s ability to tolerate and overcome setbacks is different.

Illness can trigger many emotions. It may change your relationship with yourself and your loved ones. Illness can also bring about new perspectives and self-reflection. It may even improve your quality of life.

There is more to well-being than just physical health. This is why it is so important to do and take care of those things that promote well-being, both for yourself and your loved ones.

It is important to talk about your emotions and experiences with others. You can also discuss these things with your peers. Peer discussion is empowering. If you need to, you should seek professional help, especially if you feel like you are alone in your situation. Joy, laughter, and understanding the meaning of life help many people.

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Friends and family

It can be difficult to see someone close to you get sick. As a friend or family member, the best way to help is to listen and be there for them. You will be forced to deal with your own emotions as well, even if it scares you.

Sometimes you don’t have to say anything. What matters is that you are there for them. People who are close to the patient should take care of their own well-being.

For more information, visit the Mental Hub website of the Health Village

Sexuality

Sexuality is a part of human life that affects our health and overall well-being. It means different things to different people and at different stages of life.

Among other things, sexuality is

  • a central part of human life at all stages of life, changing and evolving through life
  • a way of having a profound and genuine encounter with yourself
  • part of who you are and how you express yourself

At best, sexuality breathes life into you and your relationships. When your sexuality is balanced and whole, it is reflected in an active attitude to life and the ability to create genuine relationships.

The goal is to have a balanced and accepting attitude to yourself and your sexuality, in spite of illness. This goal can also be achieved without actual sex or any interest in sex whatsoever.

Illness, medication, and ageing can lead to sexual dysfunction. Help and support is available for dealing with these issues. You can discuss sexual dysfunction with a physician or sexual therapist.

In spite of your illness, there are many things you can do to improve the well-being and sexuality of yourself and your loved ones. It is important to stick to self-care and daily routines and to do things that are important to you and bring you joy on a daily basis.

For more information, visit the following webpages:

Health Village, Lung Hub: Sex and sexualityHealth Village, women’s health: Sexuality