Being Diagnosed With a Mental Disorder
Whether it is you, a loved one or friend being diagnosed with a mental disorder, it can be a scary time, especially if you do not have enough knowledge about the right help and support, It may be impossible for you to achieve your goals and life’s ambitions but it is important to understand that the diagnosis does not mean your life holds no value . It simply means that you need to readjust your lifestyle to accommodate ways in which you can achieve good mental health. It is without a doubt that you will come face to face with many challenges. Although you need to remember that mental illnesses are manageable with time, the readjustments will not be more than a part of your everyday routine that it won’t seem out of the ordinary.
It Helps To Remember
You are not alone. Mental) disorders are not as uncommon as you could imagine.
According to Danna Costa-Sahs, PsyD, “Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States and is very treatable.”There are over 300 million people worldwide diagnosed with mental disorders. There is also proof from the many people who have been diagnosed with serious mental illnesses that have successfully managed the conditions and regain control of their lives. You have every hope of maintaining and enjoying a normal, healthy, productive life.
Always remember that there is hope. According to Lindsay Sauers, PsyD, “If you have a mental illness, you already carry a heavy burden. It is important to receive support from your inner circle and your doctor. Know that the stigma in society today causes feelings of shame and helplessness, but there are resources available and there is hope.” There is help and there is support for finding the balance to maintaining good mental health. This can be achieved in a few well-planned steps. Achieving this balance may take time. You may even need to try it a few times before you get it right, but the important point is that you do not give up trying.
The Plan of Action
- Your plan of action should begin with education. Knowledge is a powerful tool when it comes to planning your journey to managing your diagnosis.
- One of the most important steps to cope with your diagnosis is to have emotional support. Talk to friends and family. Educate them and include them. You might be surprised to know that they would find the knowledge and being involved just as comforting.
- Joining support groups will allow you to meet people that have already been through what you are experiencing. They can offer you invaluable advice and support and information that can guide you in preparing for what lies ahead. “Support groups are good for education about depression and for people who feel alone and isolated socially,” says Scott Bea, PsyD, a psychologist in Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Behavioral Health in Ohio.
- Do not isolate yourself. Join support groups. Socialize with friends and family. Participate in community projects or volunteer. The important thing is to stay in touch with the real world.
- Look at your healthcare options. If you are not on a health plan, speak to your community mental health center about the mental health services available to you.
- Involve family and friends in your treatment plan. You will be surprised to know that this is as much for their benefit as your own. Arming them with knowledge and giving them the tools to deal with the challenges you will face empower you as a unit.
There Is No Quick Fix
Finding the right balance to achieve good mental health takes times. It requires you to persevere and to maintain a positive attitude. Although it might take you a few tries to find the best that meets your needs, not giving up or giving in is ultimately what counts. There are numerous) options available for) you. Take advantage of them.
Never stop in finding ways to best meet your needs and get back to living your life as soon as possible. Self–advocacy is a powerful tool arming yourself with knowledge is an empowering way of gaining control of your life. Just remember, there is always hope. Just hold on to that thought when challenges and obstacles come. Tomorrow will be a better day.
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