A diagnosis can be both upsetting and relieving at the same time. Upsetting, because it’s true that no one wishes to be ascribed a medical condition and realize the full scope of what they’re dealing with – there’s a comfort in not knowing, which, unfortunately, can cause people to put off medical appointments.
At the same time, a strange kind of relief is also on the table. When you know the scope of a problem, you can stop worrying and catastrophizing so much about the unknown. Perhaps the issue isn’t quite as bad as you assume, or even if it’s a diagnosis that requires more care, now you’re able to follow the best medical path with the best chance of results. This can make you pause and relax a little, knowing you’re in good hands.
Coping with a new diagnosis is of course difficult to handle. It takes time and energy to understand your new normal. In this post, we’ll discuss some ways to overcome that:
Give Yourself Time & Be Gentle With Yourself
It’s normal to feel a bit numb after hearing news like this, and so rushing back to your normal routine isn’t required right away. Taking a few days to just sit with the information, because processing the emotions takes a while, and it’s fine to let the dust settle before making any big plans. Treating yourself with the same kindness you’d show a friend is the way to go, as you think about the renewed implications on your life..
Now, it’s easy to be hard on yourself or feel like your body failed you, but those thoughts aren’t helpful. Resting is productive, as is allowing the feelings to come and go without judgment, which we’d argue is necessary for the healing process to begin. The world can wait while you find your feet again.
Reformat Your Lifestyle If Appropriate
Listening to what the doctors suggest is the first step, as maybe the diet needs to change, or a new exercise routine is needed to keep any and all symptoms at bay. Exploring all the treatment options available is worth doing, and for some conditions, getting a medical marijuana card is a valid path to explore for pain management or symptom relief.
Looking into every avenue ensures your best quality of life is maintained, just make small adjustments to the daily schedule that will help you feel more comfortable and relaxed on a daily basis..
Lean On Any Support You Can
Going through this alone isn’t necessary at all, even if you have few people in your personal life. Of course, reaching out to family or close friends allows the burden to be shared a little, as people usually want to help, but they don’t always know how until they’re asked. If you’d rather, joining a support group for the specific condition is another good option. Talking to others who are walking the same path is comforting because they understand the challenges involved and it’s good to share a laugh in a casual setting like this too.
With this advice, you’re sure to cope with a new diagnosis in the best way.
