You have a mental health condition – now what?

Five tips for dealing with a new diagnosis

Life can bring many stressors, which can deteriorate both physical and mental health. Many people know how to care for their bodies when they are dealing with a physical ailment, but if you are diagnosed with a mental health condition, what happens next?

You may feel a bit lost with this new information, but we want you to know there are ways to help you feel better. For World Mental Health Day Oct. 10, we have compiled a list of five tips of how to deal with a new mental health diagnosis.

Acceptance of your diagnosis

While people have shared more about mental health in recent years, it still sometimes carries a stigma. But we’re here to tell you mental health is just as important as physical health. It’s OK to receive a mental health diagnosis. Here’s the good part – there are care plans out there to help you feel yourself and live a fulfilling life. Take a deep breath, accept your diagnosis and stick to your care plan. You’ve got this!

Find others to support you

Having supportive people to help you through each stage of your diagnosis can make a big difference. If you feel comfortable, open up to family and friends you trust. Writing your thoughts and feelings in journal can also be helpful when you don’t feel like talking. Or if it’s not already in your care plan, consider finding a therapist to assist you sort through all the thoughts in your mind. You don’t have to do this alone.

Learn about your diagnosis

Being able to care for yourself can only be done if you understand what you’re caring for in the first place. Even if you think you know about your diagnosis, do some research and learn about symptoms, treatments, and short- and long-term outcomes. Make sure you look at reliable sources such as government institutes, professional associations and patient advocacy organizations.

Take care of your physical health

Mental and physical health go hand in hand. Your sleep schedule, diet and exercise can impact how your mind feels. You don’t have to be perfect every day but try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night, eat nutritious and filling foods, and move your body regularly. Taking care of your physical health isn’t a cure for a mental health condition, but your body will at least be ready to handle any physical stressors.

Set realistic expectations

Managing a mental health condition takes time and effort. Sometimes it can take a few tries to find the right medication or a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. Know that this is normal and part of the process. You may also experience setbacks or challenges. Try not to let those get you down. Keep those supportive people around you, take care of yourself and continue moving forward so you can feel like yourself again.

Everyone’s mental health journey is different. Be patient with yourself as you figure out this new diagnosis. If you need support in your mental health journey, we’re here for you. The MnFIRE Assistance Program provides free and confidential help online or over the phone, anytime, for dealing with:

  • Traumatic calls
  • Relationship problems
  • Parenting and family issues
  • Stress, anxiety and depression
  • Eldercare support
  • Substance use and addiction
  • Financial guidance
  • And more

Experienced specialists trained in the rigors of the fire service will listen to your needs and connect you to the appropriate resources, including mental health counseling. For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum

Recent News

Sleep Insufficiency in the Fire Service
March 16, 2023
Heart health is important year-round
February 23, 2023
Hitting the reset button on your lifestyle
February 13, 2023
Another successful Firefighter Health Forum in the books
January 25, 2023
McCoy knows knowledge helps further wellness
January 9, 2023
7 tips for managing stress this holiday season and beyond
December 16, 2022
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Have you utilized the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program? We want to hear from you!

If you or a loved one has accessed critical illness benefits, emotional trauma resources or peer support through the MnFIRE Assistance Program, or MnFIRE training, we invite you to share your personal experience with us through this survey: forms.gle/RznafowU82g7fk1QA
... See MoreSee Less

Have you utilized the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program? We want to hear from you!

If you or a loved one has accessed critical illness benefits, emotional trauma resources or peer support through the MnFIRE Assistance Program, or MnFIRE training, we invite you to share your personal experience with us through this survey: https://forms.gle/RznafowU82g7fk1QA
4 days ago
MN Firefighter Initiative

MnFIRE is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization providing Minnesota firefighters the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health.

For more information, visit mnfireinitiative.com/
... See MoreSee Less

MnFIRE is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization providing Minnesota firefighters the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health.  

For more information, visit https://mnfireinitiative.com/

Talking about self-care is trendy, but it’s also very important to your health and well-being in the fire service. This month, learn why taking care of yourself is so important, especially if you take care of others, and steps you can take to achieve it: optumeap.com/newthismonth

And explore all of the other free mental health benefits available to you through the MnFIRE Assistance Program: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#firefighterhealthh#wellbeinglbeing
... See MoreSee Less

Talking about self-care is trendy, but it’s also very important to your health and well-being in the fire service. This month, learn why taking care of yourself is so important, especially if you take care of others, and steps you can take to achieve it: https://optumeap.com/newthismonth

And explore all of the other free mental health benefits available to you through the MnFIRE Assistance Program: https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP  #firefighterhealth #wellbeing

If you or a firefighter loved one has been diagnosed with a critical illness, we're here to help.

As part of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, all active Minnesota firefighters are automatically enrolled in Critical Illness insurance, at no cost to you. This benefit can cover diagnoses of cancer, cardiac and other critical illnesses like severe cases of COVID-19, and provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 to assist with expenses like medical bills and childcare.

For questions or to file a claim, visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#CI.
... See MoreSee Less

If you or a firefighter loved one has been diagnosed with a critical illness, were here to help.

As part of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, all active Minnesota firefighters are automatically enrolled in Critical Illness insurance, at no cost to you. This benefit can cover diagnoses of cancer, cardiac and other critical illnesses like severe cases of COVID-19, and provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 to assist with expenses like medical bills and childcare.

For questions or to file a claim, visit https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#CI.
Load more