{"id":4913,"date":"2024-05-31T14:24:49","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T19:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/?p=4913"},"modified":"2024-05-31T14:24:54","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T19:24:54","slug":"how-to-talk-to-family-and-friends-about-a-major-medical-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/how-to-talk-to-family-and-friends-about-a-major-medical-diagnosis","title":{"rendered":"How To Talk to Family and Friends About a Major Medical Diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve recently received a major medical diagnosis, you\u2019re likely going through lots of emotions. You may also be thinking about how you\u2019re going to tell your family and friends. This serious news is hard enough to process already, and it can still be difficult to let others know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for support and ideas on how to approach these conversations, we\u2019re here to help. Keep reading for communication tips and things to consider when telling your family about a major medical diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Time to Process Your Diagnosis First<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before reaching out to family members and friends about your diagnosis, it\u2019s important to first make sure you take time for yourself<\/a>. Take a few days or a week to sit with the information you\u2019ve just received. Let yourself feel the full spectrum of your emotions \u2014 it\u2019s normal to feel anxious and fearful and deny that you\u2019ve been diagnosed with a serious condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people find it helpful to start journaling to get their thoughts and feelings out on paper. Buy yourself a new journal and keep it nearby throughout your day. Alternatively, you can set aside some time each morning or evening to write about what\u2019s on your mind. You can also try creating voice memos on your cell phone if you prefer talking rather than writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone close to you was present for your diagnosis, you can also talk to them. Ask them to sit and lend a listening ear, or even just keep you company while you process what has happened. Once you\u2019re able to organize your thoughts and feelings around your diagnosis, you can then talk to family and friends about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research Your Diagnosis If You\u2019d Like<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people find power in knowing as much about their diagnosis<\/a> as they can. Others would rather learn only what\u2019s on a need-to-know basis. If you\u2019d like, take to the internet to do some searching. Get information from reliable sources<\/a>, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n