Published on
updated on
Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Johanna Rozenblum (clinical psychologist)
Visiting South Africa, Prince William briefly discussed the health of his wife Kate, who remained in the United Kingdom. The image of the united couple reminds us that the place of the spouse during the illness (and afterwards) is often essential.
“She is doing very well, thank you. I hope she will watch tonight and encourage me“. Visiting South Africa, to discuss the defense of animals, Prince William, unaccompanied, gave some news about Princess Kate, after her treatment for cancer.
Princess Kate is recovering in private
As a reminder, the royal family announced last January an intervention concerning Princess Kate. Several weeks later, she admitted to being affected by cancer without revealing its nature. The princess only reappeared in public last June in a video announcing that she was officially “cancer free”but that “the road to healing and full recovery is long”. Having finished her chemotherapy since September, she should very gradually resume her official commitments, but South Africa was clearly not one of them.
“She has been great throughout the year and I know she will be keen to see this evening be a success,” added the prince, reassuring the audience.
Why spousal support matters so much during and after illness
Since the start of their fight, the princely couple has shown a united face in the face of the shock imposed by the illness. An imperative that counts in combat as well as in the convalescence period, as Johanna Rozenblum, clinical psychologist, explains to us.
“The role of the spouse in the illness is essential in several respects“, she admits.
“What I see right away is of course emotional support. Seeing your partner by your side means feeling less alone in the ordeal, it helps manage stress, emotions, anxious thoughts “, she lists. It also brings a feeling of security, comfort and reassurance. “The love he has for us is essential at this moment when we feel weakened, degraded, even physically extinct. she emphasizes.
Another, more pragmatic benefit also comes into play in this support: help with decision-making: “There are a lot of decisions to be made in a care pathwaywhich involve changes in life, lifestyle, consequences… Being supported in this moment allows us to make informed, shared and above all agreed decisions.
Finally, the spouse’s place in difficulty is also synonymous with hope… which can make the difference in these difficult times. “This spouse or family by our side is a good source of motivation and courage. Our partner is the one who, through his person, can help us maintain the‘hope in a moment of weakness, or sadness, to restore determination, to project ourselves into the long term. Being accompanied often allows us to see further.”
Slide: 10 signs that your relationship is balanced