Emotional Support when You get a Diagnosis for Autoimmune Disease

When you are faced with a diagnosis of autoimmune disease, it can feel hopeless and scary. Especially, when you are told that the cause of your condition is unknown.

You need to get emotional support.

1. The physical effects of autoimmune disease can be devastating but they can be endured with emotional support. However if you allow your spirit to be crushed it is nearly impossible to continue to function. Get those around you to support you and seek professional help for mental anguish, if you can.

2. Not everyone has earned the right to share in the knowledge of your pain, try to find those who really care and will support you.

3. Ask your community for help. We as humans are unable to do it alone. We are naturally social and need help from each other.

4. Be kind to yourself. You are going through a very difficult time and it is natural to feel hopeless, temporarily. Even simple daily tasks can be beyond what you can accomplish at times.

5. You are not alone. It is believed that 1 in 15 people suffer from an autoimmune disease, though many of them will appear to be “normal”. If you think about how many friends and family members are included in that, it means there are a tremendous amount of people who have some idea of your suffering and will have insights and want to help you.

6. Don’t give up. Autoimmune issues generally do not have a cure but they are manageable. It may not be easy to find a way to manage it well but if you don’t get answers, get a second opinion, and a third opinion. If someone does not have a solution for you, find another professional with another solution.

7. Be honest with yourself. Autoimmune conditions are complex problems so don’t expect instant fixes and one size fits all solutions.

It can be a difficult journey but there is still so much hope and healing you can do. Do not give up. Life will be different but that doesn't mean it will be any less meaningful.