Diagnosed With A Mental Health Disorder? Here’s Some Important Advice
Having battled through psychological disturbances, you may know the struggle and stigma that comes with it. And this is one of the primary reasons why a lot of people feel very uncomfortable talking to others about any psychological issues that they may have. Perhaps you already have a diagnosis and now you are filled with doubts and apprehensions about what it entails.
If you received a diagnosis of a psychological disorder recently, you may have questions. You may also be feeling confused about treatment options and everything else in between. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you are so much more than the diagnosis you received. So, let’s ease all that chaos rising within you.
Why Do I Have a Disorder?
So, after receiving a diagnosis you may have struggled to accept it or it may have challenged everything you ever believed. The most common question that people struggle with is ‘why me’ or ‘is there anything wrong with me?!’. You may have struggled with difficult thoughts and may have felt lonely or even resorted to self-blame.
There is also a very strong fear of your loved ones leaving you because of this ailment because psychological disorders have a stigmatized rep, unfortunately. Moreover, people often feel full of various emotions, ranging from confusion, anger, guilt, shock, fear, and even loss of control over their life. Quite naturally, it is not the nicest feeling at all and everything may seem extremely overwhelming initially.
You have to understand that it is certainly not your fault. No one has been born immune to psychological ailments and life’s challenges and stressors have a way of overwhelming even the best of us. There are several factors, ranging from environmental to biological that may contribute to the manifestation of a psychological ailment. There is no single or universal cause for mental ailment.
Why Has My Diagnosis Changed?
Well, there are a few reasons for a change in a professional evaluation. One of the main reasons, if you are already undergoing disorder treatment, may be because of improvement or deterioration in your condition. It is also possible that you are struggling with multiple problems and therefore have multiple diagnoses. Moreover, the diagnostic manual is also updated quite frequently because of new research-based evidence. So, if you have any doubt you have to talk about it with your mental health professional.
What Happens Now?
The second most common question is revolving around what would happen now and how you can come to terms with it. Getting a psychological diagnosis isn’t the end of the world, although it may seem like one due to the societal pressures and the stereotypical beliefs we have about mental health. As a matter of fact, having a psychological disorder is actually a new beginning. You now have more awareness about your mental health and this makes you well equipped to take conscious and weighted decisions.
What If I Disagree With My Diagnosis?
Many people experience this feeling and it is absolutely okay to have questions and doubts about your diagnosis. One of the most common feelings is that the diagnosis just doesn’t “feel right” one way or the other. Most of the time, it has to do with coming to terms with the reality but if you really feel that the diagnosis is not accurate, you have the option of getting a second opinion from another certified mental health practitioner.
How Should I Let Others Know?
Another common source of anxiety are the loved ones in your life, as there are times when family and friends find it hard to accept a mental health diagnosis. Sometimes people choose to keep it hidden from their loved ones but it is not a wise decision. Everyone needs the support of their loved ones and you are no different. Other than your friends and family, you may also have to involve your workplace in this because they need to understand your present situation. While it may take some time to come to terms with the diagnosis you just received about your mental health condition, you need not lose hope.
When it comes to psychological problems, the journey is different for everyone. It could be just a short and simple ride for one person and an absolutely long and complicated riddle for the other. However, the key to making progress in the realm of psychological disorders is to keep working through the challenges and accept your present without any judgments. The one thing that you have to do is to practice kindness towards yourself and keep actively working towards your progress.