Tips to Process Receiving a New Diagnosis
Coach Latrice
1/30/20262 min read
Hi Fab Family,
If you are new here, welcome to the blog. If you've been here before, welcome back. I know it's been a while.
Receiving a new diagnosis can be hard for some and a breeze for others. We all receive news in different ways. Today I want to bring a few tips that I think any of us can use or share for those receiving or impacted by a new diagnosis.
These are tips that I've used myself and have shared with my clients. I hope you find them useful as well.
1. Take time to process the news.
Receive the information. Hear it. Digest what you've heard. Get a second opinion if need be. Then, acknowledge how the diagnosis will impact your life.
2. Maintain a journal
Find a cute notebook, app on your phone or a health & wellness journal to document your journey. A journal is a great way to clear your mind of all the details as related to your diagnosis. Use it to document symptoms or triggers, pain levels, medication, abilities and limitations. This will help your doctor's and employer appointments run more smoothly.
3. Find a safe space to talk and be heard.
A safe space is sometimes friends and/or family, but be mindful to not place too much burden on your love ones. However, it is so important that you be able to process your feelings, ask questions or just vent without feeling like you are a burden. There are many support groups for each diagnosis so find one that works for you. I participate in Women with ALD.
4. Rest
Now ladies, I know this applies to all of us. We have likely been working, caring for others, and living that exhausted life. Now you a reason to adjust and put yourself first. We can't help them if we don't help ourselves. So get some rest. I know you need it and your body will thank you.
5. Keep Living
By this I mean keep doing the things you love, while being sure to adjust as appropriate. I've watched so many women stop living, including myself. Living like this can cause life to get real dry and booorrring. And it may affect your general health. Yes may have to adjust, but cancelling in anticipation of pain is not okay. So don't do it!
Live!
6. It's okay to ask for and receive help
I'm still working on this so, let's pray each other through this one. LOL Seriously Sis, if you need help, ask for it. And if there is no one available there are programs available in almost every state that can provide support. If you need help finding the agency near you, send an email to hello@afflictedandfabulous.com and we can search together.
7. Pray
And last but not least, do not forget to pray. God is there for you, even when you are feeling all the feels. Prayer will give you peace. It will allow you to open your heart and mind, allowing clarity and to receive all the things you need to come into your life.
I hope this helps.
Sending Cyber hugs, love and a reminder to stay fabulous.
Coach Latrice
P.S. This is a repost, shortened for ease of reading. Look for the full book coming next Spring.