Living with silicosis can be tough. Sometimes it might make you feel like you’re a burden to others as you are dealing with the physical symptoms and limitations of the condition, as well as experiencing a range of challenging emotions. This October, Lung Foundation Australia are running their annual National Silicosis Prevention and Awareness campaign. This coincides with National Safe Work Month, which provides an opportunity for all workers to reflect on and prioritise work health and safety.
Joshua Suwa, 35, father of two, was diagnosed with silicosis in 2019. A stone mason for over 10 years working in the stone bench top industry, he shares how receiving a diagnosis has impacted his and his family’s life. He also shares the importance of focusing on mental health with a chronic illness. Support services have been essential to Joshua to better understand and manage his condition.
“My main symptoms for silicosis and scleroderma is the shortness of breath. My physical state is not the same because of my lung capacity. There are a lot of pains. It affects every facet of your life. Keeping up with the kids is quite difficult,” says Joshua.
“Silicosis sort of changed my whole perspective on what I thought my life was going to look like. It’s not only impacted my physical sense, but also me mentally.”
When coping with a silicosis diagnosis, it is important to acknowledge and accept your emotions. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, angry or scared when you are living with silicosis.
“I just recently started seeing a psychologist because I’ve kept everything to myself. It was affecting not only myself, but it was also affecting my partner. I was a different person around my kids,” says Joshua.
Talking to others about your condition will help process and manage the feelings of burden you may be experiencing. Talk freely with your loved ones, friends and caregivers about your emotions and worries.
“The advice I would have for someone that’s going through (silicosis) is to reach out, reach out to friends, reach out to family. People want to be there for you. People want to help. Don’t push people away,” adds Joshua.
In addition to talking to your friends and family members about your worries, consider reaching out to health professionals. There are professionals who specialise in managing the challenges that come with a chronic disease such as silicosis and other Occupational Lung Diseases. For emotional wellbeing, health and/or practical support, a social worker or psychologist can provide valuable guidance, offer coping strategies, and connect you with support groups. In these groups you can talk with, listen to, and ask questions of individuals facing similar challenges.
It is thanks to Lung Foundation Australia’s generous supporters that we are able to offer a range of support services for people like Joshua living with silicosis. These services are also available to family members and carers of people living with silicosis.
Furthermore, it is thanks to generous support from our community, Lung Foundation Australia has been able to raise its voice and advocate for vital changes, like the recent government decision to ban engineered stone from 1 July which we commend.
Navigating a life with silicosis and possibly relying on others for care is challenging. It is important to remember your worth and value extend far beyond your condition. You are not alone, and your loved ones and friends care about your wellbeing.
Lung Foundation Australia offers a range of support services for people living with silicosis, family members and carers. This includes a silicosis support nurse, silicosis social worker and online support groups.
It’s because of our generous community that we can provide these essential services and continue advocating for more protections for workers and their families. If you (or even someone you know) is at risk, take the Healthy Lungs at Work Quiz to better understand lung health hazards in the workplace, like silica dust, and the proactive measures you can take to protect your lung health.
