by: Julie Mosher

Everyone has dreams they’d like to achieve in life, but being diagnosed with a chronic illness is surely not one of them. Never in our wildest dreams do we expect to be diagnosed with a long-term health condition — and to hear this news from your doctor can make you feel very vulnerable. This is especially true for those who are quite young, as you’re still on the cusp of bringing your greatest goals into fruition.

However, there are ways to manage these feelings of confusion and despair, as every cloud has a silver lining. Here are tips for how to not only cope with the news of your diagnosis, but also conquer it through the power of hope and preparation:

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Once you leave your doctor’s office, you may probably find yourself going through a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment, there’s confusion about what it means to be chronically ill and the next, there’s anger for having the diagnosis at all. When emotionally overwhelmed, fight-or-flight mode can kick in — and with the diagnosis being rather distressing, flying away from feelings can seem like the easiest option. There is a common misconception that to be strong means to suppress emotions or dismiss them entirely. However, researchers from the University of California – Berkeley found that people who refused to acknowledge their deepest feelings can ultimately end up more psychologically stressed.

This ultimately means that the diagnosis must be digested no matter how difficult it may be. A study published in the Western Journal of Medicine states that poor mental health can intensify chronic physical conditions, learning to embrace every inch of yourself only serves to aid overall well-being. The only way to find peace with a condition is to take time and space to feel every emotion after learning about the illness. After all, the best way out of these feelings is through them.

Do Your Research

When embarking on a new journey with chronic illness, it’s important not only to think positively, but practically as well. Researching the ins and outs of the condition is a responsibility to be taken seriously, as it will help you take better care of yourself at home and clears your mind from worries. And since regular trips to the doctor might not provide quite enough knowledge for coping, researching in between doctors’ visits can give ways to live with the illness.

Many have turned to the internet as their source for medical information. In fact, surveys reveal that approximately 93 million Americans resort to the web for a health-related concern regularly. Despite being a data behemoth,  using Google or other search engines can also be dangerous to health, as it may lead to self-diagnosis and self-treatment. Even when eager to learn more about a medical condition, It is important to remember that no two people are alike. This is why it’s wise to be more mindful about the information you encounter online, and to understand that the safest bet is still a physician who knows the specific care requirements that are most relevant. Knowledge is power, and with great power comes great responsibility; this is why caution is key when it comes to researching online.

Lead a Healthier Lifestyle

A chronic illness may point to a need to adopt a healthier lifestyle. But with the plethora of diets, exercises, and wellness programs all claiming to be the perfect one, it’s easy to become confused about the right regimen for your condition. As writer and editor Lauren Jonik has previously shared here on the site, you must let go of the notion of perfection and shift the focus to maintaining your health in order to live as full of a life as possible.

Experimentation may help you figure out what works best for you. For example, when it comes to trying out different diets like vegan or paleo, try keeping a food-and-symptom diary, as it will help give you a clearer understanding of cause and effects. Another way to jumpstart your wellness quest in this fresh chapter of your life is to practice yoga. Certified yoga practitioner Dr. Roger Cole told Oprah Magazine that apart from rebuilding your muscles and brain functions, this meditation exercise also cultivates mindfulness and relaxation.

Seek a Support System

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness often makes people feel isolated, as they are forced to confront truths about the body and the condition. However, it’s important to remember that support system exist. Maryville University reveal how chronic illnesses will affect an estimated 164 million Americans by 2025 — that’s almost half of the population. Battling a chronic condition may be a heavy burden to carry, but when you reach out to others who can empathize and possibly relate to your story, it eases the burdens for everyone.

An essential piece of information that anyone who has recently been diagnosed with chronic illness should know is that they are not alone. Know that there are advocates are who genuinely believe in your physical, mental, and emotional strength. And if you’re searching for a sense of community, join The Refresh’s Facebook group for regular and meaningful support. As the old saying goes, when life gives lemons, use it as an opportunity to make lemonade.

Main image: courtesy of Stock Snap 

Julie Mosher is a blogger and health instructor. She mainly focuses on holding meditation classes for the corporate setting, where she believes mindfulness is most needed. In her free time she enjoys reading and film photography.