After the Diagnosis:
Keep Depression and Anxiety
from Overwhelming You

Being diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition or a chronic condition that significantly affects your life is scary to anyone, no matter how courageous you are. Feeling distressed and worried, even panicky and angry, is a normal reaction. These feelings should dissipate as you understand more about your condition.

If you experience persistent, intense depressive and anxious feelings and they are hampering your treatment and recovery, act to address them. The support of your family and friends is important, but the value of professional help is critical at this time.

Anticipate the Emotional Roller Coaster

It is normal to be shaken by a serious medical diagnosis. It can leave you vulnerable to depression and anxiety, as many studies have revealed.

Dr. Roy Ziegelstein of the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center believes there is a connection between heart disease and depression. He says, “About one in five who have a heart attack are found to have depression soon after the heart attack. And it’s at least as prevalent in people who suffer heart failure.” Meanwhile, Professor of Psychiatry Dr. Una McCann at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine says, “I believe that a really careful look at anxiety would reveal the ways it can severely impact heart disease, both as a contributing factor and as an obstacle in recovery.”

Protect Your Heart and Mind from Further Risks

A disturbed emotional state can interfere with your recovery and quality of life. Your ability to bounce back depends on your ability to accept your condition—the earlier the better. With a positive stance and the right support system, you can move forward, understanding your condition and embracing the treatment and lifestyle changes.

This can help you better control various aspects of your life and medical condition. While other aspects of your condition might not change, you still have the option to live a fulfilling life and an improved chance to control the symptoms of your condition, if not to overcome it.

The Help that Can Make a Difference after the Diagnosis

Succumbing to depressive and anxiety symptoms won’t help. Finding emotional balance and inner peace is critical in your recovery, and you must accept your condition to live a quality life after the diagnosis. Sharing your negative feelings and thoughts with an experienced therapist can be the first step toward acceptance.

In addition to surrounding yourself with loving and supportive family and friends, seek the professional assistance you need during this critical time from Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville (West), NC Office. Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville (West), NC Office independently contracts professional therapists who can help you accept your condition and feel positive after the diagnosis. Call now to find the help that can make a difference in how you live your life after your diagnosis.

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