Getting Past the Emotions of a Life-Threatening Diagnosis

Your last visit to the doctor just rocked your world. After getting some test results back, you now know that you have a medical condition that will change your life. Maybe you had some suspicions that something was wrong. Perhaps this comes as a complete surprise, but you weren’t prepared for the diagnosis you received. As an array of emotions overwhelm you, coping with a life threatening illness has become an issue.

No one wants a bad medical diagnosis from their doctor. From heart disease or fibromyalgia to muscular dystrophy to cancer, finding out that you have any of these medical conditions is emotionally debilitating. You start thinking about things like physical changes, medications, doctor’s visits, and out of pocket expenses. The care of those you’re responsible for is also a worry, and, in some cases, unfortunately, the potential loss of life.

Though everything you experience now is normal, coping with a life threatening illness and the emotions that go with it will soon become a priority. Not to mention, you increase your chances of developing mental illnesses like anxiety or depression, which you can learn to overcome by following the tips I have compiled here.

It won’t be easy, but here is some advice on how to cope with a life threatening illness:

• Don’t Hold it In – One of the worse things you can do for your mental and physical well-being is hold in what you feel. Pent up emotions can increase your stress any physical symptoms you’re experiencing. Allow yourself to feel. It’s only natural to be stressed, anxious, sad, or even angry about your diagnosis. Give yourself some time to live in those emotions so that you don’t explode later.

• Educate Yourself – Lack of comprehension and uncertainty can trigger fear and anxiety.  When you get your medical diagnosis, it is important to get as much information as you can. The more you know about your condition and the treatment options, the easier it becomes to deal with the emotions. Talk to your doctor, consult other specialists, and read information from trusted sites.

• Let People In – Some alone time is normal when you’re going through a difficult time. However, too much time to yourself can quickly lead to depression. Your friends and family can provide emotional support as you learn to adapt to your new normal. So, when your loved ones want to be there for you, don’t push them away. Allow them in. Whether they’re a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or a distraction from all that’s going on, it feels good knowing you’re not in this alone.

• Keep Stress Under Control – There are certainly going to be times throughout life that you feel stress. Especially when dealing with a life-altering illness or disease. Be that as it may, too much stress has physical and psychological consequences. When you feel overwhelmed, it is important to know how to calm down and recenter. Some stress-relief techniques might include meditation, writing, exercising, taking a walk outside, taking a nap, reading a book, or taking a bath. I’ve written in detail about these and other successful techniques for reducing stress and you should definitely check them out before stress gets too much.

• Do Things You Enjoy  – Yes, life as you once knew it has changed, but as long as there is breath in your body, it’s not over. To get your mind off of everything, find ways to do things that bring you happiness.  Take a mini-vacation, treat yourself to a nice meal, spend time with your kids, plan a day out with friends, or pick up an old hobby.

• Help Others – With all you have going on, you may wonder how helping someone else is going to resolve your problems. You may even wonder how you can help someone else when you feel so poorly yourself. The reality is, however, helping others can boost your mood and takes your mind off your own challenges.  Not to mention, there are plenty of ways to help others, despite your condition. It can be calling an elder in your family and checking in on them or something such as planning a clothing drive at church. As long as you focus on enriching the lives of others, it can benefit you emotionally.

A life-threatening medical diagnosis is scary

One of the scariest things that can occur in a person’s life is getting a poor medical diagnosis. The ways it will impact your life can be emotionally overwhelming. However, staying emotionally stuck won’t help you recover or adapt. Give yourself some time to feel your emotions. Then, use the above-mentioned tips to develop the courage to accept your diagnosis. I suggest you read this page I created to help you make the necessary changes to live the best life possible. By following the advice I give on that page, you can live your life positively once again!