By Mary Etta Tubbs, B.A.
Pathways, Inc.
This article is not intended to diagnose, only to provide education to increase public awareness and sensitivity.
Source: Utah Parent Center
You, or a family member, have just been diagnosed with a physical, cognitive, health-related disability, or a mental health diagnosis. Now what?
Give yourself permission to feel. Feelings serve an important function, and it is important to acknowledge and share your feelings.
Use good health practices. It is important to keep yourself in good health.
Seek out and accept support of others.
Reaffirm your philosophies and religious beliefs.
Pamper yourself!! You are not being selfish.
Don’t settle for survival—go for growth!! Learn as much as you can about the disability/diagnosis and resources.
It is important to reach a point where you can say:
“Yes, I/ my family member have/has a disability. It is only one of the many things that make me/my family member an individual. I/We’ll work to find out how to find help to be all that I/he/she can be.”
Realistically look at the disability, dealing with problems, and formulating plans.
Blend needs with the rest of the family’s needs.
Find a balance.
Perhaps consider counseling to help you sort out your feelings and express them in a healthy way.
Any disability or diagnosis can put an enormous strain on marriage and relationships with other family members.
For more information, call Mary Etta at 878-3350. Pathways, Inc. is a family mental health clinic that provides relationship, individual & family counseling, Psycho-Social Rehabilitation, and service coordination.
