Being diagnosed with a serious or critical illness in aging can be devastating physically, mentally and emotionally. While it is surely difficult to be strong and not give up, it helps to remember those who care about you. They will never give up on you and you honor them by not giving up on yourself either.
Accepting the diagnosis is the first hurdle. We like to believe sometimes that we are invincible and there is only healthy aging. Once you are able to accept your circumstance you can begin to take the first steps toward controlling it and not letting it control you. The first necessary step is to educate yourself about the disease with which you have been afflicted. Knowledge is power and by understanding what your body is going through, you are able to support it in its battle.
The Internet is a great source of information and could be your first stop for research. However, you must be sure that you are certain as to the credentials of the site providing you with the information. There is a lot false information, so be sure to only visit sites you can trust like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This personal research is just meant to provide a little reassurance and understanding. Your main source of information should be your treating doctor. Listen to what your doctor has to say about your condition and be sure to ask questions; even the hard ones.
Emotion and mental stress and aguish are extremely common when struggling to come to terms with a serious diagnosis. This is unfortunate, because stess and depression are serioius enough illnesses on their own. While you may feel hopeless and alone it is important to remember that you are not. Reach out to those around you and be honest about what you are feeling and going through. Be frank about your feelings with your doctor and seek professional counselling if it is necessary.
If your condition is complicate or unusual it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion. Just be care that your are not using the pursuit of a second opinion as a mask of denial. If your diagnosis is clear cut, then it may be better to focus your efforts on treatment instead of a faint hope that you aren’t really sick.
Be sure to help yourself by sticking to your treatment plan. Give your body an additional boost by eating right and getting plenty of rest. But don’t shut yourself out from everyone else. This can take an emotional toll which ultimately can serve to work against you. Try to be sociable and don’t isolate yourself. Ask your doctor about any support groups for your condition or seek one out online. Talking to others who are going through the same thing you are can do wonders for your mental health. You have the opportunity to help others as well which can be equally therapeutic.
It is never easy to have to live through trying times like this regardless of how old you are. Do the right things for the right reasons and accept help when offered will make coping with illness in aging much more endurable.
Healthy Aging 