How to Offer Support to a Loved One Dealing With Thyroid Conditions

For those with loved ones suffering with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, support, understanding and compassion can do a world of good.

Thyroid problems are fairly common and, for the most part, not life threatening. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be a major hardship for those who are dealing with these conditions and their accompanying symptoms. And those problems don’t just affect the people that are suffering, they can also affect the family, friends and loved ones of those afflicted.

It is easy to read through this list of symptoms, but imagine putting yourself in the shoes of someone suffering with them…or having to witness a loved one suffering with them.

Hypothyroidism is a condition that is brought on by on underactive thyroid. Symptoms caused by hypothyroidism can include fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, pain and stiffness, increased and heavier menstruation, fatigue…and the list goes on. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid and can result in symptoms including weight loss, thinning hair, anxiety, more frequent bowel movements, fatigue and difficulty sleeping, to name a few. It is easy to read through this list of symptoms, but imagine putting yourself in the shoes of someone suffering with them…or having to witness a loved one suffering with them.

To better understand how these conditions could affect you or your loved ones, perhaps it might be best to put yourself in the shoes of Palle Flodgaard and his wife Helle. Helle suffered for years with hypothyroidism and it took Palle some time before he realized what she was going through. Her symptoms were easy for him to ignore, as he was busy with work. He didn’t see how much she was suffering.

It wasn’t until Helle’s illness prompted her to write a book that Palle began to understand. After reading her writings, Palle is able to offer the following advice to those who are dealing with a loved one or family member who is suffering with a thyroid issue:

1. There will be difficult times and through it all, its important to remember you love each other.
2. Read up on your loved one’s condition. This will help you to understand what they are going through. It can also be helpful if your loved one forgets some of what they have learned which could be key in the care and manageability of the condition.
3. Understand that your loved one is suffering and may not be able to perform some every day tasks. Don’t expect too much of them
4. Don’t let them go to the doctor alone. Accompany them on all doctor’s visits to learn about their condition and care. Show your support and help them explain their condition to their physician. If the doctor is not offering the kind of care you feel your loved one needs, be instrumental in finding another one.
5. Remember, there is hope. With the right medication and treatment, your loved one can go on to live a substantially better quality of life. Be actively involved in helping your loved one reach this goal.

There was a happy ending for Palle and Helle as Helle went on to find medication that helped her manage her condition and enjoy a better quality of life. It happened to them and it can happen for you. For those with loved ones suffering with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, support, understanding and compassion can do a world of good.

What do you think?