I Am More Than My Diagnosis
Start writing a post
Entertainment

I Am More Than My Diagnosis

A behind the scenes look at the struggles of separating yourself from the diagnosis.

111
I Am More Than My Diagnosis
aptelresearch

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71571
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133532
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments