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Reading 2 min.
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Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical Psychologist)
In the series “Bouchon” (Arte TV), cancer plunges a family into total disarray. Between screams, tears and incomprehension, the different members are on the verge of implosion. But, in real life, how can we best manage this onset of the disease? Answer.
In “Bouchon”, the new series ofArte.tva family falls apart when the father learns he has cancer… and decides to go to Switzerland to be euthanized.
If the director depicts here – with finesse and tenderness – a family drama, how does one face such an announcement in reality, within the family unit? Amélie Boukhobza, psychologist, enlightens us.
A noisy and dysfunctional family
Lolo is an actress and works hard to get there. One day, she lands the lead role in a feature film. It’s a real breakthrough. But when her father learns that he has cancer, and reacts like a child, the machine jams and everything goes crazy: Éléonore, the main character, listens to the black box of flight AF447 Rio-Paris to fall asleep, the sister, very pregnant, smokes cigarette after cigarette. And the parents, each in their own way, have serious dysfunctions.
A very touching story in the end, where cancer mixes with the daily life of the family, against a backdrop of authenticity, humor and tenderness.
“The series “Bouchon”, broadcast on Arte, explores the complexity of family relationships when a parent announces a cancer diagnosis. What an ordeal for a family!“, confirms Amélie Boukhobza.
But how do you deal with the shock, the pain, the death that invades the family unit? How can you best manage this storm? Here is the expert’s advice.
Express yourself freely
“We talk about it! We talk about it openly. We say things, simply with the right words and adapted to the ages of each person. And we answer questions in the most truthful way possible, to avoid any misunderstanding, erroneous interpretation and/or feeling of guilt…”, underlines Amélie Boukhobza.
Support each other
Then we support each other, we are present.
“We accept everyone’s emotions, whether it’s anger, sadness, or fear, while avoiding overdramatizing the situation for the sick person. Support and psychological guidance are often useful to help manage stress or offer tools, words too, and cope with the situation,” she explains.
Get informed
Another option is to learn about the type of cancer, treatment options and prognosis.Because better knowledge reduces fears and uncertainties“, recalls the expert.
“Finally, we try to lighten the daily routine, for example by setting up an organization of medical appointments, household chores and care for example… and by sharing responsibilities, emphasizes the psychologist, before adding: “And above all, very importantly, we continue to be alive. We maintain normal or almost normal activities, a stable routine, moments of relaxation with the family. We celebrate happy events and we take care of ourselves“.