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Fabulous Over 50

Welcome to "Fabulous Over 50," the podcast where we celebrate a group of women who are defying age stereotypes and showing that life only gets better with time. Your host, Jen Hardy, is going to lead you on a journey to the fabulousness inside yourself.

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How to Cope with a New Diagnosis: Seven Steps to finding peace with a new chronic illness

Apr 22, 2022

For some, getting a new diagnosis causes a feeling of relief to wash over them.  "I'm so happy it's this and not that!" or "thank goodness they finally found something!" But, often a new diagnosis isn't something we were hoping for. It can be hard to figure out how to deal with a new diagnosis. It might be IBS, migraine, or fibromyalgia. Or maybe you just got diagnosed with something like MS or cancer.  For someone who's always been healthy, it can be a shock. There are no rules, and there is no "normal" way of feeling. Everyone is a little different, even when they have the same diagnosis.

 

How to deal with a new diagnosis in 7 steps.

  1. Take the time you need to take it in. It's ok to focus on yourself for a few days, or weeks.
  2. Do your research and find out what to expect, but don't waste hours a day googling your diagnosis. You'll learn more as time goes on, and you might find misinformation out there.
  3. Locate the best doctor in your area who specializes in your diagnosis, or the system it affects.  Ask friends and family, or others with the disease. Ask your doctor who they would see, and get a referral there.
  4. Find a support group.  If you can get out, a medical center by you might have a specialized support group.  You can join a local group, or an online support group. WARNING - please don't give away personal information in an unsafe place.  ALSO, many "support" groups can bring you down by only discussing the negatives of what they're going through.  Find a place that is both honest and positive.
  5. Allow yourself to feel.  In the beginning you might have all kinds of feelings.  Be aware of those 5 stages of grief, and communicate how you feel with those around you so they can support you in the way you need it each day.
  6. Do not succumb to guilt.  This is not your fault. You didn't bring it on yourself.  You will still be able to have a satisfying life. You are still the parent your children were meant to have.  Feeling guilty doesn't make things any better, it just sucks your energy. 
  7. Find ways to enjoy your life.  You may start doing things differently, but you really can find joy no matter what's happening around you.

There is so much more on the website! Check out HardyMom.com/new-diagnosis

Thank you for joining me today! 

Want more? Go to HardyMom.com and you'll find ways to live well, grow, and enjoy your life again -with any health challenges.

I'd love to hear what you think about this episode! Send me a message at HardyMom.com/contact

Have a blessed week,

Jen