Affected by a Brain Disease? Share When You're Ready

Telling others about your brain disease or mental health disorder diagnosis can be one of the most difficult steps for people in the early stages.  How will people react? Will they treat you or your loved one differently? It is very normal to have feelings of anxiety surrounding who to tell and concerns about social stigma.

Allow yourself and those closely affected ample time to process the diagnosis.  This is a crucial first step to adjust to this “new normal.” The process of acceptance is just as important for the newly diagnosed as it is for his/her caregiver(s) and each person will approach things differently.

Once you’ve processed and accepted the diagnosis, you may find that sharing the news may open up new relationships and connections to people you may not have thought would be willing to support you.  Your openness may test relationships with friends or family who may not react the way you expect, however, it can be empowering to share the diagnosis with others.

Information is power, so take the opportunity to educate them on the disease and be very clear with how they can be supportive.

*Content published by the United Brain Association (UBA), such as text, graphics, reports, images, and other materials created by UBA and other materials contained on unitedbrainassociation.org are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the unitedbrainassociation.org.