Learning that your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia can be a deeply challenging and emotional experience. Finding ways to cope is essential to support both yourself and your loved one through this journey. Here, we look into the emotional challenges of a dementia diagnosis and offer suggestions for processing and coping with this difficult situation.
Emotional impact of a dementia diagnosis
When you learn the news of your loved one’s dementia diagnosis, you might feel like you’ve been hit by a tidal wave of emotions. People have different reactions to this news. You might feel shock, sadness, confusion, or even relief.
Receiving the news of a diagnosis that will eventually, if not now, transform your everyday moments and future plan is shocking. As you begin to process the news of this diagnosis, it’s important to recognize that feelings of sadness often accompany it. This sadness stems from the grief and mourning over the changes dementia may bring to your loved one’s life and to your relationship with them.
Confusion can also be a significant part of your journey. You may feel unsure about what lies ahead and how to approach the changes. You may now be faced with a sea of decisions, information, and questions, all of which can be confusing.
Some people even feel a sense of relief when learning about a dementia diagnosis. You may have been noticing symptoms for a while and didn’t understand what was happening. Or maybe you recognize the changes from someone else and have been denying it was happening to your loved one. When you resolve the uncertainty of what is really happening to your loved one, you may feel relieved to finally have that answer.
Navigating the dementia diagnosis
Once you’ve had a moment to breathe, it’s time to start navigating this diagnosis with empowerment. Learning all you can about your loved one’s diagnosis by seeking out accurate and relevant information is a crucial early step. When you arm yourself with knowledge and resources about your loved one’s dementia diagnosis, you can feel more empowered while setting out on the path ahead of you. With a greater understanding of your loved one’s diagnosis, you can:
- Have a clearer view of what to expect.
- Manage both immediate and long-term plans more effectively.
- Know how to take proactive steps.
- Feel more in control of the situation.
Fortunately, you have access to a wealth of information. Schedule some time for yourself to learn more about the diagnosis. Even if you have experience with dementia, refreshing yourself can help you feel more equipped this time. It’s also important to recognize that there are many different types of dementia. Ensure that your research addresses the specific type of dementia your loved one is facing.
Start by gathering reliable resources. Examples include:
- Reputable websites.
- Books.
- Informational brochures from your doctor’s office.
- Q and A sessions with the doctor.
- Disease-specific organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Dementia Society of America.
Knowing what to expect and the proper steps to take after a dementia diagnosis can help you provide the best care you can for your loved one. However, it’s important to take time for yourself to process your emotions and learn to cope. Let’s look at healthy ways to manage this difficult time.
Coping strategies
After you have gone through the initial emotions and begun to arm yourself with knowledge and support, it’s time to learn coping strategies to help you move through the dementia diagnosis. Finding effective strategies to cope and care for yourself is essential.
Evidence-based coping strategies can help you find relief and grounding so you can navigate this challenging time with strength and clarity. While each journey is a personal one, finding the coping strategies that work best for you can help you find the strength to continue on the caregiving journey. Here are some ideas that may help you process your emotions and cope with the diagnosis.
Journaling as emotional expression
Journaling provides you with a safe outlet for processing your thoughts and emotions. Journaling can help clarify thoughts and feelings, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health.
Tips for starting and maintaining a journal:
- Set aside a few minutes each day to journal.
- Choose whichever format works best for you: a notebook, a journaling app, an electronic document on your computer or phone, or even an audio journal.
- Don’t worry about grammar or structure; focus on free expression.
- Use prompts if you feel stuck, such as “Today I feel…” or “I have been thinking about…”
- Keep your journal in a private, accessible place.
Mindfulness and meditation
It is easy to allow your mind to ruminate and spin over the many fears, challenges, and responsibilities that come with a dementia diagnosis. Practicing mindfulness can guide you in keeping your mind and body focused in the present moment. Doing so can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Meditation is one type of mindfulness practice that can significantly help in managing emotions.
Steps to start a mindful meditation practice:
- Begin with five minutes of practice each day.
- Use guided meditation apps, such as Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer, to teach you about mindfulness and meditation.
- Set reminders or alarms to remind you to practice your meditation.
- Be patient and kind to yourself as you’re learning this new skill.
Gratitude practice
It is so easy to get lost in a negative space when you learn that your loved one has a dementia diagnosis. Your mind might naturally go to the anticipation of how your and your loved one’s lives will change for the worse.
Practicing gratitude helps you shift your focus from a space of scarcity, loss, and pressure to a space of abundance and appreciation for what you do have. As you practice gratitude, you may notice that you feel more resilient and have the ability to shift toward a more positive outlook.
Tips for incorporating gratitude:
- Start or end your day by listing three things you’re grateful for and focusing on how you feel when thinking about them.
- Keep a gratitude journal to track these positive reflections.
- Share your gratitude with others, whether through notes, texts, or conversations.
Building a support network
You may feel alone when you learn that your loved one has dementia and wonder if anyone can help you get through this situation. Surrounding yourself with a strong support network of family and friends provides you with necessary emotional support as you navigate the new journey.
Some ways your support network can help you include:
- Joining you for a walk around the neighborhood or a park.
- Talking on the phone.
- Enjoying a meal out of the house.
- Spending quality time together while not talking about your loved one’s diagnosis.
- Helping you with the responsibilities of caring for your loved one.
Regardless of the activity, when you connect with support, you will feel less alone on this journey.
How to cultivate your support network:
- Make a list of your friends, family, work colleagues, acquaintances, and neighbors who you think might be supportive.
- Communicate openly with your support network about what you’re experiencing.
- Take the initiative to schedule time to connect with your support network.
- Encourage friends and family to learn more about your loved one’s dementia diagnosis to enhance empathy and understanding.
Finding a support group
You may have a solid support network of family and friends, but support groups are also a crucial tool in navigating the dementia diagnosis. By participating in a support group, you’ll know that you’re not alone in this journey. Sharing your experiences with other caregivers and family members in similar situations can help you feel less isolated.
Support groups provide a safe space where you can express your fears, sadness, and frustrations without judgment. In return, you can receive empathy and practical advice from those who truly understand.
Participating in support groups can improve your emotional well-being. Support groups offer:
- The opportunity to learn healthy coping strategies.
- Connections that can ease your emotional burdens.
- The chance to learn from others who have navigated similar experiences.
Final thoughts on coping with a dementia diagnosis
As you continue on this journey with your loved one, please remember the importance of learning to cope with the diagnosis by understanding your emotions, gaining knowledge, and finding coping skills that work for you. By starting a simple practice like journaling, practicing mindfulness, expressing gratitude, and nurturing a strong support network, you can navigate this challenging time with clarity and strength. Take a moment today to choose a strategy to empower you on your journey and enhance your well-being.
