If you have generally been in good health your whole life, the kind of wellbeing that has enabled you to enjoy an active lifestyle, a sudden serious diagnosis can be terrifying. There can be so many questions and concerns about what happens next and how your life may change. While a serious medical diagnosis does not mean everything has to change for you, it may certainly feel like it. These overwhelming emotions and questions can be a lot to deal with on your own.

The shock may not go away all at once. It may take time before everything sinks in. In time, you may eventually come to terms with your diagnosis and the changes that may come along with it. It is, however, possible to feel stuck and unable to accept these changes. When this happens, it can be helpful to reach out to a professional for support.

A medical condition isn’t something you wanted but avoiding it will likely make things worse. Accepting your diagnosis is important to be able to manage it. This can be extremely challenging for anyone. A therapist can journey through this difficulty with you.

Surviving the Roller Coaster of Emotions

A diagnosis of a chronic condition can be very distressing. Especially if it is a medical issue that can persist for a long time. It will put you on a long-term treatment, that’s costly, life-altering, and that may come with side effects. There will be symptoms to watch out for and monitor. There will be medications to be taken every day and maybe even regular lab tests to complete. There may be diet changes and other lifestyle changes as well.

If you have a family member who suffered from the same condition, their experience may also influence how you feel. The diagnosis could open a floodgate of feelings you have never experienced before – confusion, fear, sadness, frustration, guilt, anger, and more. All of this can be incredibly overwhelming. Counseling can help.

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

While emotions can naturally ease with the passage of time, being emotionally overwhelmed may also affect your abilities to adjust. This can also impact your inability to accept your diagnosis, delaying your treatment and the opportunity to feel better. You can’t afford to wait to start your treatment.

Counseling could be a strategic approach to addressing your wellness as a whole. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and it can be difficult to address one without the other.

According to the American Psychological Association, “Distress is common following a chronic disease diagnosis.” There is a strong correlation between depression and having a chronic medical condition. Having a medical condition can be very restrictive; limiting your mobility and activities. It can impact your sense of independence and self-esteem.

Those with a family history of depression have a higher risk of developing symptoms after a serious medical diagnosis. Even without predisposition, anyone can develop symptoms after such news.

Counseling: Making Positive Changes

At the height of your emotions, you may not realize that life can still get better despite your diagnosis. While your health may change, it doesn’t have to be the end of your world. Making positive changes in your life to manage your symptoms can make a big difference in how you feel.

It is important to acknowledge your diagnosis and allow yourself to feel. It is okay to grieve the loss of your health as you have experienced it up until this point. Therapy can provide a safe place for you to process your feelings and your loss. It can be important to do this first before learning how to move forward.

Welcoming your new purpose and life may not be easy; this is a challenge that counseling can help you accept and live with. With counseling, you can change your view of life. You may even begin to see that your medical condition is another opportunity to reassess your life – where you are going, how you are leading it, and what can be done to give it a new meaning.

Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC contracts with therapists who will allow you to grieve and help you to move forward. You are more than your diagnosis. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

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