Common Challenges Faced By Newly Diagnosed People

6 May

People newly diagnosed with a chronic illness often face a combination of emotional, physical, social, and practical challenges. Some of these issues are shared across demographics, while others are more prominent in certain age groups. Let’s explore common challenges faced by newly diagnosed people.

1. Emotional and Psychological Struggles

Shock, denial, or disbelief: Many struggle to process the diagnosis and see a way forward.
Anxiety and depression: Fears about the future, pain, and disability are common.
Grief and loss: Mourning the loss of their previous health or lifestyle.
Identity crisis: Feeling that the illness now defines you or changes who you are.

2. Lack of Information or Misinformation

Difficulty understanding the illness: Medical terminology and complex treatment plans can be overwhelming.
Unclear prognosis: Not knowing what to expect or how the illness might progress.
Misinformation online: Turning to the internet can sometimes lead to fear or confusion.
Misinformed professionals: Sometimes, medical professionals are misinformed or ill-informed about chronic or rare diseases.

3. Managing Lifestyle Changes

Diet, exercise, and routine adjustments: Many chronic illnesses require significant daily changes.
Medication adherence: Remembering, affording, or coping with the side effects of new medications.
Energy management: Fatigue is a common symptom, especially in conditions like autoimmune diseases.

4. Healthcare System Navigation

Multiple appointments and specialists: Coordinating care can be overwhelming.
Insurance or cost issues: Financial strain from medications, therapies, or lost work.
Lack of continuity: Seeing different doctors who don’t always communicate well.

5. Social and Relationship Impacts

Stigma or misunderstanding: Especially if the illness is "invisible" (e.g., fibromyalgia, lupus).
Changing dynamics: Friends or family may react with pity, fear, or distance.
Isolation: Due to physical limitations, mental health, or reduced social engagement.

6. Work and Career Challenges

Workplace accommodations: May be hard to negotiate or understand.
Job loss or reduced income: Due to decreased ability to work or frequent absences.
Fear of judgment: Worry about being seen as unreliable or weak.

What about Challenges for Specific Age Groups?

Each age group tends to have more pronounced challenges in certain areas. Even where some obstacles overlap, the perception differs enough to create a different experience. The way we approach these difficulties also differs. On top of this, each experience is unique despite the similarities. Let’s take a look at the age group-specific challenges and some support resources available.

🧒 Young Adults (18–30)