Dealing with bad news

It’s normal to have mixed emotions when dealing with bad news or receiving a diagnosis.

To help you cope during this difficult time, here are some tips:

• Talk. Don’t be afraid to express how you feel about the changes in your life.

• Give yourself time to adjust. Be patient with yourself. At first, it could feel like noting will get better but over time, you will find ways to cope and things that work for you to feel like yourself again.

• Learn from past experiences. Think about previous times in your life where you had to deal with a difficult situation. What helped you cope then? Can you use the same strategies now?

• Join a support group.  You could learn from people who are in a similar situation to yourself and share your experiences.

• Treat yourself. Do things you enjoy. Give yourself time to relax and unwind. You may want to practice mindfulness.

• Reach out: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your family, friends, doctor or another health professional.