Getting sick is many people’s worst nightmare. The main thing that people have difficulty with is feeling as though they are out of control, and that they are simply not able to cope with what lies ahead. This is understandable, but there are things that you can do to try and deal with your new diagnosis.
Practice Being Mindful
You may have heard about the benefits of being mindful, but if you have been diagnosed with a scary condition. then you have to know that this is even more important. It’s a very good coping tactic if you are dealing with something scary in your life. You may find that your brain is constantly trying to change your focus to the future and that you are not able to focus on what matters, which is the present. Mindfulness is all about how things look, taste, smell and sound. It takes time for you to be able to master what you are experiencing right now, in the moment. That being said, if you can practice it for 15 or 20 minutes during the day then you will soon be able to replace those toxic thoughts with ones that are far more realistic.
Stick to your Routine
Some diagnoses require you to do things that are not quite in line with the routine you have now. This is understandable, but you need to focus on your daily schedule as much as you can. This can help you tremendously as it helps you to feel much more like yourself. It also helps you to keep in touch with people that give you some level of comfort and security. Some days it may feel as though things are just easier if you stay in bed and run through some worst-case health scenarios but you have to stop yourself from doing this. Don’t let things get in the way of your everyday life and also make sure that you focus on the future as much as possible.
Face the Facts
It’s very helpful for you to look up what you should expect when it comes to your diagnosis. If you can prepare yourself and if you can explore the facts, then this can help you to be way more prepared in the future. You may also find that you are able to move past it faster. If you know that you are terminal, then look up some support groups in your area. Some people find comfort in having a part to play in their own funeral plans as well. This could include looking up cemetery grave headstones or flicking through funeral songs. If you do intend on doing this, then it may help to have someone sit down with you, so you do not feel alone.
It’s Okay to Cry
Keeping in all of the powerful emotions that are generated from having a bad diagnosis can end up making things worse. You may feel as though you are not able to cope and that you simply can’t hold them in anymore. Don’t forget that it is okay for you to cry because the sorrow that comes with having a major change in your life will have to come out at some point. The sooner this happens, the better. It’s not easy for you to go through the intense feelings that you are going through right now, and if crying is not the way you deal with things, then explore other ways that you can help yourself. This could involve talking with your friends or even your family for example.
Talk with Survivors
Talking with others who are in a similar situation to you can help you to feel way more understood. You may find that you are able to understand how other people feel and knowing that you are not alone can give you some comfort too. You may even be able to talk with people who are further along in the process than you are so that they can give you some advice that will help you to manage things from the beginning. Of course, talking can be difficult and you may find it hard to hear about other people’s stories and experiences. You may find that it actually compounds your worries and this might not be for you. If this is the case, then there is nothing wrong with this. That being said you may never know unless you try.
Dedicate some Time
Dedicate some time to your loved ones. Surround yourself with family members or even friends who you trust. You also need to be able to count on them to support you in your times of need. A lot of people who get diagnosed with something serious feel as though they are a burden on their family, but this is not the case at all. Your loved ones will want to help you as much as they can. They may actually be hurt and upset if you do not go to them for help when you need it, so count on them if you need anything. It may also help you to schedule some regular visits with your support network as well. You could do this every other week, and it may include going to yoga with a friend or even grabbing a coffee while you are out. Doing things like this during this chapter of your life will help you to stay more connected than ever. It will also help you to slow down if that’s what you feel as though you need to do.
Of course, doing things like this will help you to heal and it will also help you to move on with your life. Sure, things may be different, and you may feel as though there is no light at the end of the tunnel but at the end of the day, it’s important that you focus on the positives and that you live your life to the fullest. Things may not end up happening the way you thought they would, but that’s no reason for you to stop embracing the life you have.