Each person has unique ways of coping with that grief. Hurt might be expressed as anger or defensiveness. Sometimes it's easier for people to deny the reality of your illness, especially when it has no name, rather than face the possibility that it could be something serious. It hurts when others seem to doubt the reality of your illness. Many spouses of illness sufferers admit to having times of doubt and then struggling with feelings of guilt over it.
Illness often brings out unexpected strengths and weaknesses.
It's important to concentrate on the strengths in your relationships rather than the weaknesses. Other suggestions for maintaining relationships Encourage your family to live their lives as normally as possible even though you might not be able to participate in family activities you enjoyed in the past. One man said his wife and children started staying home when he was too sick to join in social events. The depression was contagious until they finally began to venture out without him. When they did, their moods perked up which made him feel better too.