If any of you have been diagnosed with with any sort of health condition; whether it be big or small, mental or physical, recent or a while ago, you can probably agree with what I am about to share. Here are some of the steps we face as we get passed the diagnosis and finally re-identify as ourselves again.
1.Understanding What Is Happening To Your Body...
The first important step is to gather as much info as you can from doctors, research and other sources so you can know what is happening, what will and could happen, and what you need to do.
2. Acceptance...
The most important but also the hardest step. It is hard to make any progress without first accepting the situation you are in. Once you accept you will be more open-minded and more willing to move forward.
3.Baby-steps...
Once you understand and accept the diagnosis you can figure out what steps you to take to figure out how to make it work for you.
4. Strength...
When you start on you your journey, you and the people around you will begin to realize how much strength you have. This a key to getting back on track and knowing what you can do if you put your mind to it.
5.Establishing Boundaries...
With steps in place and a knowledge of your strength it is helpful to set up boundaries, so you know how far you can push yourself without overdoing it.
6.Confidence...
Like almost anything, confidence is key. It may be hard to regain confidence, but don't give up. With confidence you will be able to overcome anything thrown your way.
7. Stress Relievers...
I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a healthy way to relieve stress. It can be a very stressful and frustrating journey and it is necessary to manage that stress. It will be beneficial to moving forward passed the diagnosis, rather than backwards.
8. Distance From The Symptoms...
Almost any diagnosis will come with both physical and mental symptoms. Although you may feel them all the time, it is important to distance them from you in a way that you can understand they are just happening to you and they are not who you are.
9. Preparing How To Describe Your Diagnosis To Others...
This can often feel like you are preparing for a presentation, but it is helpful to know what to say a head of time, so you can tell them in a way that they will understand. It also helps to make you feel more comfortable and not like you are being put on the spot by their questions.
10. Accommodating Life Changes...
Everything above are ways we have to accommodate what is happening in our lives. It is not easy, but in the end it is worth it because it helps us feel more comfortable in our own skin, which matters the most.
I want to end this article by saying that I am proud of everyone who has gone through this, and to say good-luck and stay strong to them, as well as everyone else currently going through or just starting this process.
