How to Cope With an Autoimmune Diagnosis
Post Date: Apr 24, 2024
Medical
Sometimes, autoimmune diagnoses don’t come easy. You might have spent years trying to get to the bottom of your symptoms, dealing with pain and discomfort in the process. It can be a relief to know what’s going on, but it can also bring a lot of new challenges and uncertainties into your life as you pursue treatment. When it comes to coping with an autoimmune diagnosis, it’s important to remember that help is out there, and you don’t have to do this alone. If you’re finding it difficult to move forward with your diagnosis, some of these strategies can help you get through it.
Work with your medical team for treatment
When you finally reach a diagnosis with your medical team, take the time to talk it over with your primary care provider. They can be a powerful resource for you as you explore treatment. Make sure they’re on the same page as any other members of your medical team and understand your autoimmune condition.
If there’s a specialist in your area who works with other patients who share the same autoimmune condition, see if you can get a referral for an appointment with them. You may even be able to travel to receive treatment. But no matter who you’re working with, be sure to voice concerns as you have them. Many autoimmune conditions are rare, so there’s a chance your provider hasn’t encountered yours before. Don’t be afraid to speak up and be an advocate for yourself. Your provider is there to help you, but you want to be sure to keep them informed of any new symptoms you have or problems with treatments. If you have any questions, be sure to ask.
Get familiar with your autoimmune condition
When you are dealing with a diagnosis that feels outside your control, it can give you a great sense of purpose and power to learn more about it. The National Institute of Health’s website has information on some of the 80+ documented autoimmune conditions. You can also get more information from your provider or other online resources. Gaining knowledge can cut out a lot of the uncertainty that you may be feeling as you begin to cope with your diagnosis.
Seek out the coping strategies that will work for you
Coping with an autoimmune condition might go beyond a treatment plan. Your diagnosis can come with a lot of emotions, and it can bring on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health issues.
The Autoimmune Association suggests some healthy coping mechanisms, like keeping your daily life as normal as possible after you’re diagnosed, joining a support group, setting some realistic short-term goals you can work toward in treatment, taking the time you need to adjust to your diagnosis (for both you and your family), using relaxation techniques to help, and doing the activities that make you feel happiest, among others. But no matter what works best for you, the earlier you can identify those strategies, the better it will be for your mental and physical health.
Get the resources you need for extra help
If you’re struggling and don’t know what to do, talking to someone may be the way forward. You can reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 if you’re dealing with a mental health crisis. You can also find more resources through the Center for Coping or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
And if you’re not sure how to afford treatment, one of CHP’s clinics in Bozeman, Belgrade, or Livingston could help you find affordable care, regardless of your ability to pay. Behavioral health and other services can help get you on your feet and on the path to treatment. Call the clinic closest to you to make an appointment.
