Have you been diagnosed with a life altering condition?
Whatever the diagnosis, it will impact your life. Greatly. It is perfectly natural to be feeling one of a million emotions, or all of them at once.
Being faced with limitations, lifestyle adjustments, treatments, processes….. It is a lot. Being able to name the emotion you are feeling at any one time can help you detach slightly from the emotion, providing you with a little space so you don’t feel totally controlled by that emotion. Below is a list of emotions that are very common when you have been given a diagnosis:
Fear
Shock
Denial
Anger
Frustration
Overwhelm
Sadness
Grief
Lack of control
Lack of trust in your body
Lack of trust in the medical care
Isolation
Loneliness
Shame
Guilt
Jealousy
Envy
Emabrrassment
Anxiety
And that’s just to name a few.
Learning to integrate the condition, the limitations and the treatments into your life is going to take time. Allowing yourself a little bit of time and space each day (whether you can spare 5 minutes- everyone can if you prioritise it, or an hour) to take some slow deep breaths and give yourself some kindness can help immensely. Consciously and intentionally sending your mind, your body, your being, kindness, softens the impact of the challenges you face. By being gentle and giving yourself some grace, you make it easier to take each step, get through each day and learn how to live well in this new life. This new way of being.
It is essential to find support in family, friends, or a therapist to help guide you through the challenges that you are facing. Although many people feel like withdrawing, being open with at least one person, letting them know how you feel, can help lighten your load. You have enough to carry, so helping some of those heavy thoughts and feelings be released by saying them out loud to someone can help you feel lighter. Confiding in someone can also strengthen your relationships, as those close to you will understand how you feel and hopefully you will be able to discuss what you need and how they can help you.
There may be a lot to figure out once you have received your diagnosis:
logistics, work adjustments, finances, childcare, provision of medical care, emotional support, buying and preparing food….
The list seems endless, but working through this with someone can help keep you from feeling overwhelmed and encourage you to take the next step required.
Learning to live with a diagnosis often means learning to live in a new way. This does not only include changing your daily habits, or adding in some appointments, it means reprogramming your brain to accept and embrace the new way of being. Fighting your new reality only adds to the pain you are experiencing. Neuro Linguistic Programming can help you rewire your brain to see things in a much more positive light. Focusing on and truly acknowledging all you are capable of doing, all you are learning and all that is possible can lead you towards a much brighter future. Repeating positive phrases to yourself is one way of helping to reprogram your brain to embrace new ways of being.
There are many support groups for chronic or life changing illnesses or conditions. These support groups provide invaluable comfort and support, as you discover that you are not alone. There are others experiencing things very similar to you who can provide understanding, support and guidance. People who have had time to digest and adjust to their new life can provide insight and helpful advice. After time, you will probably find yourself providing that for others too.
Speaking to a counsellor is highly advisable when facing life’s big challenges, as they are trained to provide you with support and guidance, as well as enhancing your strengths, helping you to cope with all that you have to face. Receiving this diagnosis does not have to be a tragedy in your life. It can be an opportunity for you to discover just how strong and resilient you truly are.
Remember, you don’t have to carry this all alone.
Click here to book with a professional