How to Deal With Bad Medical News
Be positive, yet prepared., Bring a family member or close friend with you to the appointment., Make a follow up appointment., Take some time to gather yourself., Start gathering information., Use reliable sources., Be cautious of the information...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Be positive
If the doctor has called you to go over test results, stay calm.
While there is a good chance the diagnosis will not be the best news, try to stay positive.
It’s not good to worry prior to the news, as that will just cause stress and anxiety.
Your initial feeling will be that of shock and disbelief.
After the shock, you will experience anger, fear, and sadness.
These are natural to experience but will get better over time. -
Step 2: yet prepared.
This will not only help provide you support at the moment when you need it most, but will also help clarify the bad news.
They can help with writing notes and help you recall information from the appointment when you are reflecting back on the news.
Statistically, a majority of cancer patients said that upon initially learning about their diagnosis, they had difficulty understanding their illness and treatment options.Consider having your companion drive you to the doctor’s appointment as well.
After you receive the bad news, you are probably experiencing a lot of different emotions that could distract you as you drive home.
Having someone drive you could prevent you from driving while distracted. , You may want to make a follow up appointment to ask the doctor specific questions, particularly ones you couldn’t think of upon receiving the initial news.
Initially, you’ll feel anxious and ready to treat the illness.
Feelings of urgency could lead to hasty decision-making.It may prove useful to write down all your questions beforehand so you know what information you want and need to go forward as you embark on decision-making.
For example, you could ask the doctor what type of symptoms should you expect, will your energy level decrease, etc. , After receiving your bad medical news, you will be in a whirlwind of feelings and emotions.
Take a day or two to properly digest the news.
If possible, try taking a mental day.
After the news, you’ll be in a state of shock and having time to figure out your next steps would prove invaluable to your mental health.
Spend the day decompressing and relaxing.Depending on your professional relationship with your boss or professor, contact them via phone or email and either let them know you have some personal news to digest or simply let them know you need a personal day off and you will be back to business when you return.
Get plenty of rest and sleep.
After receiving the news, you’ll most likely want to be in a constant state of “go.” Don’t.
Take the night off and get some sleep to rest your body and mind from the shock and excitement of the bad news. , After you have received the bad medical news, do some thorough research on the topic.
Do your research after you have given yourself a little time to digest the news, so it won't become overwhelming.
Reading the information after a decompressing will enable you to assess it from a clearer state of mind. , As you begin your research, look for materials such as books, journals and articles that have certified information about the condition.
Ask your doctor if they have any literature that they could provide you with so you have a better understanding. , Keep in mind that there are many sites that contain unverified or bogus research.
Ask your doctor if they know of any reliable websites where you could locate reliable information about your medical diagnosis. , If applicable, go get a second opinion.
Find a doctor that specializes in the area of your condition and make an appointment to confirm or dispute the first diagnosis.Do this for your treatment options as well.
Make sure you are aware of all of your options and know the best approach to take. , We all deal with bad news differently.
While some prefer to deal with bad news alone, informing your loved ones of your situation can be helpful as you attempt to make sense of what’s happening.
It is your decision about who to inform and what you want to tell them, so do not feel obligated to make a slide show or production about what you are experiencing.
While they may not be able offer you any substantive help on how to deal with your condition, opening up to others is emotionally healing by itself., Joining a group of people who are dealing with the same situation could also be an additional way to cope with your bad news.
With a support group, you are meeting and interacting with others who are experiencing or who have experienced the same thing you are dealing with.., If the stress from your bad news has become too much to handle mentally, find a professional counselor or psychologist to speak with.
Try looking for a counselor that handles the particular topic you are struggling with.
While looking for a trained professional, always check their specialties to get a feel if they would be the right person to help you deal with the stress and worry about your news. , While dealing with your diagnosis, continue doing those activities that provided you joy and comfort.
If you have a hobby such as painting or rock collecting, keep doing it.
If you like to be active, such as walking, exercising, keep it up.
When you have your follow up with your doctor, you may want to inquire about the amount of stress your body can stand. , While the news can be devastating at first, do your best to maintain a positive attitude and outlook.
Surround yourself with encouraging people that will help keep your spirits up.
If you are a religious person, stay strong in your faith.
If not, continue to rely on those places or things that keep your mind at ease and peace. , Meditation and exercising regularly helps reduce stress and anxiety and helps your cognitive abilities, which will help you keep focused and concentrate on becoming better., If you are given a limited life expectancy based on the prognosis, plan ahead to accomplish what you need to do before your time comes to leave the world.
Maybe it's a book you need to finish writing, maybe it's an old acquaintance you need to forgive, or maybe it's some unfinished project you need to fulfill.
In any case, make sure these things get done while you can.
Have a living will or durable power of attorney if applicable.
If you have any legal matters to attend to, this would be the most appropriate time.
If you’ve been putting off doing a will or durable power of attorney, go ahead and get it finished.
This will prevent any fights or disagreements in the event of a debilitating illness or death. -
Step 3: Bring a family member or close friend with you to the appointment.
-
Step 4: Make a follow up appointment.
-
Step 5: Take some time to gather yourself.
-
Step 6: Start gathering information.
-
Step 7: Use reliable sources.
-
Step 8: Be cautious of the information you access on the internet.
-
Step 9: Get a second opinion.
-
Step 10: Get support from loved ones.
-
Step 11: Join a local support group.
-
Step 12: Seek professional help.
-
Step 13: Enjoy life.
-
Step 14: Stay positive and happy.
-
Step 15: Try stress-relieving activities
-
Step 16: such as exercise or meditation.
-
Step 17: Be prepared for the worst outcomes.
Detailed Guide
If the doctor has called you to go over test results, stay calm.
While there is a good chance the diagnosis will not be the best news, try to stay positive.
It’s not good to worry prior to the news, as that will just cause stress and anxiety.
Your initial feeling will be that of shock and disbelief.
After the shock, you will experience anger, fear, and sadness.
These are natural to experience but will get better over time.
This will not only help provide you support at the moment when you need it most, but will also help clarify the bad news.
They can help with writing notes and help you recall information from the appointment when you are reflecting back on the news.
Statistically, a majority of cancer patients said that upon initially learning about their diagnosis, they had difficulty understanding their illness and treatment options.Consider having your companion drive you to the doctor’s appointment as well.
After you receive the bad news, you are probably experiencing a lot of different emotions that could distract you as you drive home.
Having someone drive you could prevent you from driving while distracted. , You may want to make a follow up appointment to ask the doctor specific questions, particularly ones you couldn’t think of upon receiving the initial news.
Initially, you’ll feel anxious and ready to treat the illness.
Feelings of urgency could lead to hasty decision-making.It may prove useful to write down all your questions beforehand so you know what information you want and need to go forward as you embark on decision-making.
For example, you could ask the doctor what type of symptoms should you expect, will your energy level decrease, etc. , After receiving your bad medical news, you will be in a whirlwind of feelings and emotions.
Take a day or two to properly digest the news.
If possible, try taking a mental day.
After the news, you’ll be in a state of shock and having time to figure out your next steps would prove invaluable to your mental health.
Spend the day decompressing and relaxing.Depending on your professional relationship with your boss or professor, contact them via phone or email and either let them know you have some personal news to digest or simply let them know you need a personal day off and you will be back to business when you return.
Get plenty of rest and sleep.
After receiving the news, you’ll most likely want to be in a constant state of “go.” Don’t.
Take the night off and get some sleep to rest your body and mind from the shock and excitement of the bad news. , After you have received the bad medical news, do some thorough research on the topic.
Do your research after you have given yourself a little time to digest the news, so it won't become overwhelming.
Reading the information after a decompressing will enable you to assess it from a clearer state of mind. , As you begin your research, look for materials such as books, journals and articles that have certified information about the condition.
Ask your doctor if they have any literature that they could provide you with so you have a better understanding. , Keep in mind that there are many sites that contain unverified or bogus research.
Ask your doctor if they know of any reliable websites where you could locate reliable information about your medical diagnosis. , If applicable, go get a second opinion.
Find a doctor that specializes in the area of your condition and make an appointment to confirm or dispute the first diagnosis.Do this for your treatment options as well.
Make sure you are aware of all of your options and know the best approach to take. , We all deal with bad news differently.
While some prefer to deal with bad news alone, informing your loved ones of your situation can be helpful as you attempt to make sense of what’s happening.
It is your decision about who to inform and what you want to tell them, so do not feel obligated to make a slide show or production about what you are experiencing.
While they may not be able offer you any substantive help on how to deal with your condition, opening up to others is emotionally healing by itself., Joining a group of people who are dealing with the same situation could also be an additional way to cope with your bad news.
With a support group, you are meeting and interacting with others who are experiencing or who have experienced the same thing you are dealing with.., If the stress from your bad news has become too much to handle mentally, find a professional counselor or psychologist to speak with.
Try looking for a counselor that handles the particular topic you are struggling with.
While looking for a trained professional, always check their specialties to get a feel if they would be the right person to help you deal with the stress and worry about your news. , While dealing with your diagnosis, continue doing those activities that provided you joy and comfort.
If you have a hobby such as painting or rock collecting, keep doing it.
If you like to be active, such as walking, exercising, keep it up.
When you have your follow up with your doctor, you may want to inquire about the amount of stress your body can stand. , While the news can be devastating at first, do your best to maintain a positive attitude and outlook.
Surround yourself with encouraging people that will help keep your spirits up.
If you are a religious person, stay strong in your faith.
If not, continue to rely on those places or things that keep your mind at ease and peace. , Meditation and exercising regularly helps reduce stress and anxiety and helps your cognitive abilities, which will help you keep focused and concentrate on becoming better., If you are given a limited life expectancy based on the prognosis, plan ahead to accomplish what you need to do before your time comes to leave the world.
Maybe it's a book you need to finish writing, maybe it's an old acquaintance you need to forgive, or maybe it's some unfinished project you need to fulfill.
In any case, make sure these things get done while you can.
Have a living will or durable power of attorney if applicable.
If you have any legal matters to attend to, this would be the most appropriate time.
If you’ve been putting off doing a will or durable power of attorney, go ahead and get it finished.
This will prevent any fights or disagreements in the event of a debilitating illness or death.
About the Author
Anna Johnson
Anna Johnson is an experienced writer with over 5 years of expertise in museums libraries. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Anna creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.
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