A new diagnosis can be life-changing. Maybe you’ve been experiencing symptoms for some time and now feel relieved to finally have an answer. Or, you may have been completely unaware that anything was wrong. Regardless, it’s normal to feel scared and overwhelmed after receiving an initial diagnosis.

If you’ve received a diagnosis of a complex medical issue or one that will require long-term treatment, knowing how to move forward can be challenging. Finding ways to navigate fears and find peace of mind is crucial to maintaining your health and quality of life.

Why an Initial Diagnosis Can Be Anxiety-Inducing

Although having a diagnosis in hand can provide some relief, it can also bring up a lot of questions and uncertainties. It’s not uncommon to feel like your life is turned upside down after receiving a new diagnosis.

You may fear the unknown and wonder what the future holds. An initial diagnosis can bring up questions like:

• Will I be able to continue working?
• How will this affect my relationships?
• How will I afford treatment?

These are all valid concerns that can cause anxiety.

In addition, a diagnosis can also trigger feelings of grief. You may grieve the loss of your previous good health or for the life you thought you would have. Knowing how to cope with these feelings is an important part of moving forward.

4 Tips for Navigating Fears After an Initial Diagnosis

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s important to give yourself time to process your feelings after receiving a new diagnosis. Don’t try to push away the negative emotions you’re experiencing. Acknowledge them and allow yourself to feel them.

2. Lean on Your Support System

You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to your friends and family about your fears and concerns. They can provide much-needed emotional support during this difficult time.

You might also find that someone in your family or circle of friends has been through a similar experience. Their perspective can be helpful as you navigate your own journey.

3. Find a Healthcare Team You Trust

Working with a health care team you trust is crucial after receiving a new diagnosis. These are the people who will be helping you manage your condition and treatment.

It’s important to feel like you can openly communicate with your healthcare team. If you don’t feel comfortable with your current providers, don’t hesitate to look for new ones.

4. Get a Second Opinion

Peace of mind is important after receiving a new diagnosis. If you’re not sure about your initial diagnosis or treatment plan, consider getting a second opinion from another provider.

Expert Second Opinions from The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic

The simplest and most effective way to find clarity about your initial diagnosis is to seek an expert second opinion from The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic.

Cleveland Clinic’s 3,500 specialists in more than 550 subspecialties have seen and treated millions of complex cases from all over the world. We do all of the work of gathering medical records and matching you with the right specialist for your specific case. A thorough review of your case and a video call with your specialist can give you insight into new treatment options or even a new diagnosis. With industry-leading turnaround times of two weeks or less, you’ll have answers quickly.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a complex condition or are struggling to manage a chronic illness, our world-renowned specialists can provide you with the answers and peace of mind you need.

If you’re ready to get started, register online today. We’re ready to help you move forward with confidence.