The negative effects of diagnosis
Patients are often in pain and in a difficult situation if they learn they have been diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease.
“It’s a scary time for patients, even if it’s a recurrence of an old disease.” said Amy E. Allison, PhD, a psycho-oncologist at the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University.
Patients may imagine how life will change, and concerns about how treatment will work can come into play. Patients may also worry about how they will pay for their care and even fear death.
“This is common, even if the patient’s condition is not immediately life-threatening.” Dr. Emmi said.
The positive effects of diagnosis
Patients who learn about the disease they have learn to start taking care of themselves and improve their health.
“You may discover strengths you didn’t know you had and build stronger relationships with the people you love.” said Rebecca Axline, a clinical social worker at Houston Methodist Hospital’s Neurological Institute.
Understand that a troubled mind is inevitable
A positive attitude can improve the quality of your life and can help you make good health choices. But if you don’t have a positive attitude, that’s okay, too.
“There’s no research to show that emotions like anger, fear, and confusion make you more likely to get sick. But ignoring or suppressing emotions can make moods worse.” said Laura Howe-Martin, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Negative emotions can even have a positive effect
A recent study found that anger and guilt motivate cancer patients to set goals for themselves and exercise more.
“You can certainly be pragmatic about the situation you’re facing. You can also grieve for the life you’ve lost to the disease,” Dr. Laura said, “and doing so can help you move on.”
Be prepared to set boundaries
When others know about your condition, they may give you a little advice or share the experiences of someone who has the same disease. “They may mean well, but doing so may drain your energy, and you have to protect your energy.” Rebecca said.
You may have a hard time thinking fast at the time, so try to remember this simple statement. “I tell patients to hold up their hands and say this, ‘Please stop, because I don’t want to hear this right now, and I hope you understand.'” Dr. Emmy said
If you feel this is rude or uncomfortable, Dr. Emmy suggests you add, “I’d love to know how you’re doing,” or “My doctor told me not to listen to this during treatment.”
Figure out how much information you need about the disease you have
Some patients do everything they can to learn, understand, and benefit from information about the disease they have. And some patients have a harder time with it the more they know.
“There’s no right or wrong in either case.” Dr. Emmy said, “The important thing is to figure out which condition you fall into and talk to your healthcare team, friends and family.”
It’s also important to make sure the source of information is reliable. “There’s a lot of terrible misinformation on the Internet.” Dr. Emmi said.
If you’re not sure where to get reliable information, consult your health care team.
Remember, even if the information is correct, it may not always apply to you. “For example, you see that the disease you have has only a 5% chance of survival,” says Dr. Emmi, “but you are a living person, not a statistic – a statistic that doesn’t take into account your health history and specific circumstances. That’s why it’s important that you talk to your medical team about the situation you’re facing.”
Avoid the “what ifs”
Soon after diagnosis, you may still be waiting for information about your condition or treatment plan. Don’t predict the future, don’t “what if.
“You may think you’re preparing for what might happen, but doing so results in added stress, which can make it hard to take care of yourself. If what you imagine actually happens, you’re going through the pain twice.” Dr. Emmi said.
Consider seeking professional help
Dr. Laura said, “After a diagnosis, you may blame yourself or wonder what you did to cause this disease. That’s normal, but sometimes trying to get out of that emotional state on your own can be difficult, even with help from friends or family.”
But just a few sessions of talk therapy with a mental health professional can help you learn strategies to make yourself feel better. (Ask your doctor for advice. Medical centers may have staff with experience with your condition.) You can also ask a social worker or hospital administrator for help with medical billing problems and similar issues.
Stick to a regular routine as much as possible
After a diagnosis of cancer or Parkinson’s disease, you may feel like the whole world has turned upside down and a lot of things may change quickly, and “you can’t let the diagnosis control your life.” Dr. Emmy said.
Rebecca agrees. Whenever possible, she said, “try to stick to the old rhythm of life. It will give you a sense of control and reaffirm that the health problems that are occurring are not caused by you.”
Regardless of your “new normal,” make time to take care of yourself.
“This may be the last thing you want to do, but think of it as part of the healing process.” Dr. Emmy says, “Regular exercise, healthy food, good sleep, being with people you love, and even activities that make you laugh are the foundation of health and healing.”