Acceptance of illness
Acceptance of illness
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Receiving the diagnosis of dementia has an intense impact on the lives of patients and family members.
Negative emotional reactions and a deep feel of injustice are common.
Lack of information about disease and non-existence of effective treatments feed distorted beliefs based on stereotypes that, generally, frighten, for mistakenly associating mental illnesses with the end of relationships.
Accepting the new reality will be a process built gradually from living with the new situation and the gradual adaptations that will be made. In addition to a time of adaptation, family caregivers need information, reflection on choices and decisions and emotional and social support. Well supported, they will learn to live with the disease and the person with dementia will live with quality and serenity.
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Acceptance of illness
One of the steps to talk about the diagnosis is first of all to accept it within yourself. Many people doubt the diagnosis or simply need a period of time to adapt to the news. Family and friends can also experience periods of denial, ignoring problems or minimizing their concerns.
Although this news can be difficult to receive, sometimes people are relieved to finally have their problem identified. Talking about the diagnosis means that you, together with your family and friends, can use the available medical and community resources to deal with dementia. Some people think that sharing their diagnosis with others is a way to educate and raise awareness about this disease.