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How Do I Come to Terms with a New Diagnosis? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: So if you've recently had a diagnosis or you're supporting somebody that has, this is a really difficult thing to sort of know where to begin with.
• 0:09
  SPEAKER_00: The first thing that is really important is that there's no correct way to react.
• 0:14
  SPEAKER_00: Many people feel shocked or numb, others feel frightened, angry at the injustice, relieved to finally have an answer or just overwhelmed by it all.
• 0:22
  SPEAKER_00: Many people experience several of these emotions at once, and all reactions are normal and valid.
• 0:28
  SPEAKER_00: It's important to give yourself time and permission to process what has happened.
• 0:34
  SPEAKER_00: A diagnosis doesn't just mean a medical label, it can also change how you think about your future, your work, your relationships, your everyday life, and how you relate to yourself.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: Adjustment takes time and it's okay if you don't have everything figured out immediately.
• 0:49
  SPEAKER_00: How often do we ever really have everything figured out?
• 0:52
  SPEAKER_00: One helpful step is to gather information gradually and not to overwhelm yourself.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: Try to rely on trusted healthcare professionals and reputable organisations rather than becoming overwhelmed by endless internet scrolling.
• 1:06
  SPEAKER_00: Write down questions before appointments in your own time and don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
• 1:12
  SPEAKER_00: Understanding your condition can help you feel more confident and more in control.
• 1:17
  SPEAKER_00: Another key part of the adjustment is focusing on what you might be able to control.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_00: While you might not be able to change your diagnosis yourself, you can take steps to support your well-being, and this might include following your treatment plan, maintaining healthy routines insofar as possible, staying physically active if appropriate, and getting enough sleep.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: Making time for activities that bring you joy and respite is also really important.
• 1:42
  SPEAKER_00: It's also worth paying attention to your thoughts.
• 1:45
  SPEAKER_00: After a diagnosis, it's really common for the mind to jump to worst-case scenarios, and that's your mind trying to close the gap.
• 1:52
  SPEAKER_00: So if you notice thoughts like my life is over or I'll never be happy again, try asking yourself whether there's another way to look at the situation or what comes before the worst case scenario.
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_00: A more balanced thought, for example, might be life will be different, but many people learn to manage their condition and continue living meaningful lives.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: Remember that asking for support is a strength, not a weakness.
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_00: Talk to family, members, friends, healthcare professionals, or counsellors.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: Many also find comfort in support groups where there's a connection with others that have had similar experiences.
• 2:27
  SPEAKER_00: Similarly, knowing that you're not alone can actually make a difference.
• 2:31
  SPEAKER_00: And as you move forward, set small achievable goals rather than trying to solve everything at once.
• 2:37
  SPEAKER_00: Celebrate each success no matter how small.
• 2:40
  SPEAKER_00: Progress isn't always a straight line, and it's perfectly normal to have good days and difficult days.
• 2:46
  SPEAKER_00: We always talk about the expression recovery isn't linear, maintenance isn't linear, but we don't really consider how that looks in day to day life.
• 2:53
  SPEAKER_00: So give yourself grace for that as well.
• 2:56
  SPEAKER_00: Finally, remember this a diagnosis is one part of your story.
• 3:00
  SPEAKER_00: You're the same person with your own strengths, values, relationships, and dreams.
• 3:04
  SPEAKER_00: You're just adapting a new way of living to those.