Distress is common following a chronic disease diagnosis. Research indicates that people who are experiencing a number of stressful life events before diagnosis, and those with a history of depression, may be at particular risk of psychological distress when they learn they have a chronic illness.1 However, even people with relatively few stresses in life can be shaken by a chronic-disease diagnosis.
Digesting news of your disease can bring a flood of emotions. A diagnosis of diabetes, for example, is often associated with feelings of guilt and shame.2 Grief is another common reaction to chronic illness. You may experience various stages of grief including denial, bargaining, anger and sadness.
You may feel you’re on a roller coaster of emotion — accepting one day, and angry the next. It may help to remind yourself that these feelings are normal, and will likely ease with time.