Tips from a psychologist on dealing with a serious health diagnosis

Acknowledge your emotions

Whether it's a chronic condition, a temporary setback, or something more serious, Angelique says you can expect to feel a range of emotions when you receive a serious health diagnosis.

“Many people feel disbelief when they first receive their diagnosis,” Angelique says. “And this can also give way to grief and loss, as well as sadness, helplessness, anger and denial. A serious health condition will often mean a person’s life is changing in significant ways, and it is natural to grieve the loss of their ‘normal’ life.”

Angelique says using active coping strategies and embracing social support can help you achieve better mental health outcomes.

“Being open and honest, and telling your friends and family what you are going through can help you to cope with the news,” Angelique says. “We see that people who withdraw and avoid social support tend to have worse mental health outcomes. You might need to vary your usual social events – for example, you might not be up for a hike at Mt Lofty, or a late night out, but let friends know if you’d love to see them for an afternoon catch-up instead.”

Other active coping mechanisms Angelique suggests include:

• Focusing on healthy habits, such as a healthy diet or increasing movement
• Prioritising self-care
• Embracing mindfulness
• Setting achievable, short-term goals.

“Engaging your problem-solving skills can be really beneficial for mental health, especially when facing a major change,” Angelique says. “Setting a goal, even something such as eating enough calories on a particular day, can help to boost self-esteem and make us feel like we are more in control.”

Additional support

If you aren’t comfortable confiding in friends and family, or you don’t feel like they understand enough what you are going through, Angelique says online forums are a good place to find additional support.

“It’s best to use forums that are moderated by health professionals,” Angelique says. “This helps to keep the discussion on track, and they are generally more positive. I suggest people have a ‘three-strikes and out’ system, where if you visit three times and there is too much negativity, then you look for a different forum.”

Seeking help from a psychologist or other mental health professional can also be helpful during this time.

“Certainly, if you are experiencing anxiety or depression, then it can be helpful to see a psychologist,” Angelique says. “Also, if you are withdrawing and feeling in denial about the diagnosis, then speaking with a psychologist can be helpful.

A psychologist can help you work towards acceptance, as well as create some achievable goals for you to strive for, with your healthcare team.

“One of the most important things to remember is that people can develop coping skills to manage all sorts of problems,” Angelique says. “Reaching out for support, whether social support or with a health professional can be an important step for better mental health outcomes when facing a serious health diagnosis.”