A History of Hope and Healing
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4 Tips to Cope Emotionally With a Challenging Physical Health Diagnosis
Admin • Mar 19, 2018
A new and challenging health diagnosis is likely to generate a wide range of emotions. While some people experience shock or anger at first, you may also find that you feel guilty, scared, or even relieved to finally know what is wrong.
While there is no right or wrong way to feel after you receive life-altering news, you should be aware that your physical health plays a major role in your mental wellbeing. As you create your new care plan to manage your physical health condition, use these tips to cope emotionally with one of your life's biggest transitions.
1. Remember That Knowledge Is Power
Knowledge helps to dispel the fear and uncertainty that often accompanies a long-term health diagnosis. Whether you have been diagnosed with a rare disease or now have the same condition as your parents, you should learn as much as you can about your condition and ways you can take care of yourself.
With progressive illnesses, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, learning about what to expect during each stage helps you gain a sense of control over the future. You may also find hope in hearing about the latest advancements in treatments to help to alleviate many of your fears.
To keep your research from contributing to anxiety, be sure to stick to reliable sources for information. For instance, you can create a list of questions to ask your physician at your next appointment, including whether counseling might be effective to help minimize the emotional distress your health condition may be causing you.
2. Find Out About Medication Side Effects
Medications are often prescribed after a new health diagnosis to help you slow down the progression of the illness or alleviate common symptoms. Although this may help with your physical health, you need to be aware that a sudden onset of emotional changes could be related to your new medication.
Certain medications are known for contributing to emotional health issues. For instance, corticosteroids can generate symptoms such as mania, and synthetic hormones can trigger depression. Arrange for a professional mental health evaluation when new emotions arise to determine the underlying cause of any changes in your emotional wellbeing.
3. Consider Implementing Healthy Living Strategies
People sometimes feel a sense of guilt following a health diagnosis. You may wish that you had ended unhealthy habits sooner, or you may worry about being a burden on your loved ones in the future. Try to keep in mind that health problems happen to even the healthiest of people and that your loved ones love you and want to help and support you.
Depending on your condition, it might not be the time to worry about daily exercise and nutritious meals. However, if everything feels out of control, you may find it helpful to create a healthy meal plan or even to begin exercising. Of course, you need to consult with your doctor to ensure that your plan is helping you fight your condition and not worsening your health, but feeling proactive may help you feel a greater sense of control.
4. Create a Support Network
As you begin to tell others about your health condition, let them know how they can provide you with support. For instance, you may request that your best friend keep you distracted with fun activities that take your mind off of the stress. You can also reach out to a professional counselor, members of a support group, and your family for help coping.
Any change in your physical health may leave you struggling with challenging emotions that interfere with your wellbeing. At Heritage Mental Health Clinic
, our counselors are ready to help you learn strategies that allow you to cope with the next stage of your life and help you focus on your emotional wellbeing.