Coping with Your Diagnosis of a Chronic Health Condition

If you have a chronic health condition, you have a problem that may not go away over time. Heart disease, asthma, arthritis, and diabetes are just a few of the chronic conditions that exist. While your condition may not have a cure, you can take an active role in managing your health.

Coping with your diagnosis

If you've just learned about your health condition, you may be angry, depressed, or afraid. Or you might feel relieved just to know what's wrong. Even if you've known about your health problem for a while, adjusting to it can be hard. But learning about your condition can help you cope. Look for accurate and up-to-date books at your local library or online. Ask your healthcare provider for online resources that provide the most accurate, up-to-date information. Or contact a reputable group that focuses on your specific problem.

Accepting change

Change is hard for most people. Yet right now you may be facing many changes. What you eat or the way you work may change. Your moods and even your symptoms might vary from day to day. It isn’t easy. But learning to accept change can help you feel more in control.

Think about asking your family and trusted friends for support. Remember that they may not know much about your condition. They may need information to understand what you are going through. The more they understand, the more they will be able to support you.

Taking control

Feeling you have control can make living with your condition easier. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider. The more you know, the more active you can be in your care.

Some people with serious chronic illnesses have found the following coping strategies helpful:

• Write down all your questions and take them to your healthcare provider to discuss. Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member to the appointments.

• Ask your provider what specific steps you can take to optimize your health.

• Try to manage the parts of your life that are within your control. For example, choose to eat healthy meals, exercise as you're able, take medicines as prescribed, and spend less time with people who aren't supportive.

Moving forward

You may wonder if you will be able to do the things you've always done. That depends on your age, the condition you have, and your goals. To make the most of each day, try to build caring relationships, be active, limit weight gain, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use, and eat right. Think about getting counseling if you have trouble coping with the diagnosis and have increased feelings of sadness or frustration. It may be hard at times. But also do your best to keep a sense of humor.