Mental Health After a New Diagnosis
Receiving a new diagnosis can have a significant impact on mental health. It is common to experience a range of emotions, including worry, distress, and even depression. These emotions may last for a couple of days, weeks, or even longer. If negative emotions persist for more than a couple of weeks and interfere with your daily activities or relationships, it may be beneficial to seek help or support.
Here are some signs that it may be time to reach out for support:
- Persistent symptoms: If you experience persistent symptoms that interfere with your daily functioning, such as regularly missing work, over or under sleeping, neglecting self-care, or withdrawing from friends and family, it may be a good idea to seek help.
- Consideration of self-harm: If you find yourself considering self-harm, it is crucial to reach out for immediate help. In such cases, you can call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for emergency medical attention.
- Impact on coping capacity: Sometimes people have undiagnosed mental health issues but manage until a major life stressor exceeds their coping capacity. In these situations, a mental health professional can help by teaching coping strategies and suggesting treatments.
- Alcohol and drugs: If you are using alcohol and/or drugs to help deal with your emotions, it is time to reach out and seek help.
There are various mental health issues that can interfere with daily functioning. Some common categories include depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and adjustment disorders. An adjustment disorder is an emotional disturbance that occurs within three months of an identifiable life stressor.
To get help or support for mental health concerns related to a new diagnosis:
- Talk to your doctor: If you are experiencing negative emotions that persist and interfere with your daily activities or relationships, consider asking your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional.
- Connect with a mental health professional: It is best to connect with a mental health professional who has experience supporting individuals with similar conditions or chronic health conditions like yours. Professionals who can provide support include licensed professional counselors (LPCs), psychologists, and therapists. Therapy can be helpful in managing the impact of a new diagnosis on mental health. A therapist can provide support during life transitions and offer solutions to help you recover. Therapy can also help you identify unhelpful thoughts and develop strategies to navigate them.
Remember that seeking support is important for your overall well-being. Mental health conditions can affect how you think, feel, act, and even impact your physical health. Treatment options and resources are available to help individuals with mental health conditions.
If you or someone you know are struggling or in crisis with anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with trained crisis counselors.
In summary, receiving a new diagnosis can have an impact on mental health. It is important to recognize the signs that it may be beneficial to seek help or support and take action accordingly. Connecting with a mental health professional and considering therapy can be valuable steps in managing the emotional challenges associated with a new diagnosis. Remember that seeking support is an essential part of taking care of your overall well-being.