How to cope with an unexpected medical diagnosis

A surprise diagnosis can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Doctor Joel Ten of Medix, a global company that provides personal health mentors to support patients during their health journey, regularly experiences this firsthand. 

“At Medix we help guide patients through their diagnosis by reviewing their clinical history, investigations, the doctors they’ve seen and more,” Joel says. “We also work with leading specialists around the globe to review cases, and discuss whether the patient needs additional tests, what is the diagnosis and what are the most optimal treatment options.”

Here are some steps he recommends undertaking if a medical diagnosis has left you (or a loved one) feeling insecure about the future. 

Experiencing a sense of loss of control is something Joel commonly sees in patients who’ve received a challenging diagnosis. To alleviate anxiety, he recommends researching and fully understanding what you’re facing – and the potential impacts it may have on your life. “When we lack information, we become insecure,” Joel explains. You can also seek someone that can provide more information.

“We’re very fortunate in Australia to have access to high-quality care – many doctors have a specific niche they’ve specialised in. By seeking [this] help, you’ll receive the best possible care from the best team available. Having knowledge about your diagnosis is really important, and you want to get it from a reputable source. You only want the most accurate advice from your GP or specialist.

“Usually, you’d want to find out what the disease means for you, whether it’s curable and what your treatment options are. When you know what you’re dealing with, you feel like you’ve taken back some control.” 

Communication is a necessity when dealing with a potentially life-changing diagnosis. Not only does the situation affect you, but it also impacts those close to you.

Joel recommends seeking support from two networks: professional and personal. “Your professional support network would include your doctors, specialists, psychologists and others,” he explains. “They’ll give you specific and detailed information and you can talk to them about your concerns or fears in a neutral environment – because sometimes you need that level of professionalism. You want to be sure the information you’re receiving is reliable, and the person listening isn’t going to judge you.”

A service like Medix can also help round out your professional network. “Medix is an additional layer of support for the patient – but we’re in no way replacing their treating doctor,” Joel says. By creating a platform for collaboration between different specialists and your treating doctor, Medix can ensure you’re getting the best quality care. They also offer a personal case mentor and a 24/7 service centre, as well as emotional support resources,

Beyond this, Joel also recommends seeking support from a secondary personal support group, but he notes that they should be relied on for emotional support only – rather than medical advice. “Your personal group would include your family, friends and other support groups that include people [in] similar circumstances. These networks are incredibly helpful in alleviating stress and anxiety.”

While support networks are useful, Joel says that ultimately, you still need to prepare yourself to undergo treatment. “There has to be a balance between receiving the support you need and being strong on your own,” he says. “Some people need more support than others, and that's absolutely fine. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.” 

In addition to support groups, lifestyle changes can help in the treatment of chronic diseases, both physically and mentally. One recent study looking at modifiable lifestyle factors in patients with breast cancer found physical exercise had the greatest impact on reducing the risk of the cancer reoccurring. 

“There are a lot of lifestyle factors that can help patients stay healthy – regardless of whatever condition you have been diagnosed with – but staying physically active is near the top of the list,” Joel explains. 

“Physical activity will increase the blood flow to your brain and other organs and will give you a rush of endorphins – which will boost your mental health as well. These days, doctors actively prescribe exercise in treatment.” 

Of course, Joel recommends consulting with your treating specialist before making any changes to your activity levels.

After coming to terms with your diagnosis, Joel recommends not straying away from your normal lifestyle and recommends taking one day at a time. “Some patients overthink and plan too far ahead – for example, putting their kids into childcare or quitting their jobs,” he says.

“While planning can be helpful, it can also be easy to overwhelm yourself. Sometimes when we receive a serious diagnosis, we fall out of our normal habits and spiral downwards – that’s one of the worst things you can do. Take things slow, maintain your regular lifestyle and reach out to a team that can support you throughout your medical journey. These actions can help you regulate stress and improve your overall recovery.”