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How can I cope with receiving a life-changing diagnosis? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Receiving a life-changing diagnosis can shake almost every part of life at once, as you experience shock, fear, sadness, numbness, anger, and even relief at finally having an answer are all common and they can arrive in any order.
• 0:16
  SPEAKER_00: Part of what makes it so hard is the uncertainty because nobody can say exactly how things will unfold, and coping happens in small steps, and there is no right way to do it.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: Now after a diagnosis, the mind often races across to the worst-case scenarios.
• 0:31
  SPEAKER_00: It can help to sort your thoughts into three groups.
• 0:34
  SPEAKER_00: So what you know right now, such as the name of the condition and your next appointment, what is uncertain, like how things will progress, which can be named as unknown for now, and what is within your control today, such as the questions you ask, how you arrest, and who you talk to.
• 0:49
  SPEAKER_00: Writing these down can make everything feel a bit more manageable, and it can also help to ask yourself what's helped me through hard times before, as those strengths are still yours, and be as kind to yourself as you would be to a close friend going through the same thing.
• 1:04
  SPEAKER_00: And practical ways to support yourself with this can be to write your questions down before appointments and bring someone along to help listen if you can.
• 1:12
  SPEAKER_00: If you don't feel heard, you can ask again or ask about a second opinion.
• 1:16
  SPEAKER_00: Rely on trusted resources such as your care team and take care with unverified websites and forums.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_00: You might even consider joining a support group in person or online where people share what's work for them, and the people who care about you may not know how to help, so give them something specific like a lift to an appointment or even a cooked meal.
• 1:36
  SPEAKER_00: A simple routine with regular meals, sleep, gentle movement, and time for things you enjoy can help keep life steady.
• 1:45
  SPEAKER_00: Now, when you might need to seek extra help, you can speak to your GPU or your care team if you're feeling low in mood, worry, or having trouble sleeping, which might last more than a couple weeks or starts to get in the way of daily life.
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: Also, reaching out to therapists that work with people just into a diagnosis can be helpful.
• 2:04
  SPEAKER_00: Also, many conditions have dedicated charities and helpers, and your care team can point you towards them.
• 2:11
  SPEAKER_00: You can return to the app's resources and receive no life changing diagnosis for further support.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_00: If you are thinking about harming yourself and feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.