Getting a diagnosis can be paralyzing, and it can be difficult to know how you’re going to move forward from this. Things you were stressed about before no longer seem relevant, and you might feel like time has stopped, but you need to work out what you’re doing next. Knowing how to handle this and your emotions is key to getting through it. Read on for what you should know:
Go Easy
This is a personal crisis, so don’t try to minimize it. Give yourself time to think about what you want to do and process your emotions. You’ll likely be on an emotional rollercoaster for a while, so accept that. Don’t carry on as normal if you’re not up to it – have some time off work if you need it.
Know Your Feelings Will Change
You won’t always feel what you’re feeling now. You will likely feel devastated at first, but this feeling will usually lift. Things may not be as hopeless as they seem, so try not to lose all hope right away.
Be Patient When Learning
You’re going to be learning about something you may not have had any knowledge about before. Be patient with yourself when learning about your diagnosis and what it means for you. Try not to overwhelm yourself.
Weigh up your treatment options
There may be different forms of treatment or management to consider. Make sure to weigh up your options. Explore ways of making treatment easier where possible such as getting NHS prescriptions delivered to your home instead of having to pick them up. If you are uncomfortable with available treatment options, try to work with a doctor or health professional to find a form of treatment that works for you.
Find More Help If You Need It
Oftentimes, people need more help. You may want to look into counseling or therapy to help you to deal with any difficult emotions that come up. Your family may even want to do this, as this will be new for them too, and they likely don’t want to show you how upset they are. You may also want to look for the best attorneys in town if this diagnosis is the result of an unfit workplace. There’s an abundance of help out there, so don’t be too proud to ask for it if you feel you could use it.
Manage Stress
You’re going to need a few ways to deal with stress. Your emotions will take you on a rollercoaster and if you decide to go back to work and get on with things, you’re going to have trouble. Make sure you do things like meditation to keep stress at bay, and even making sure you get enough sleep.
Pursue Things That Give You Meaning And Joy
Pursue things that help to give you meaning, such as a hobby you haven’t picked up for a while. You can also try getting out in nature, enjoying the arts, getting involved in the community, or writing a memoir.
Find A Way To Live With Uncertainty
Meditation is a good way to cope, but you may find other ways of living with this uncertainty. A support group could help, for instance, or even just confiding in your loved ones. Just remember, it’s your choice to mope or to find ways to cope.
Remember, don’t be afraid to let your doctor know if you don’t feel heard. Ask questions, and make sure you keep that sense of empowerment and control over your health.
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