How can I learn acceptance of an Alzheimer's diagnosis?
Canadian-American psychotherapist and writer, Nathaniel Branden coined the quote, "the first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance."
Keep in mind that life, for everyone, is unpredictable; everything changes, and many things will happen in the disease journey that will transform who you are and have an impact on your life. Keep a positive mindset instead of a negative, defeatist one.
Challenges will ensue in the Alzheimer's journey; however, cultivating acceptance can assist in coping with what lies ahead. Allowing time to process the diagnosis is an important first step, as is time to absorb information about the disease. Knowing what to expect and having resources and support available can begin the process of acceptance of the diagnosis.
Try not to play the blame game. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is not your fault. Additionally, it is not uncommon to experience feelings of loss and grief. It is important to name and confront your emotions. Share your thoughts and feelings with close friends and/or family and seek resources and support through the process. Schedule an appointment, if needed, with a counselor or social worker to work through what you are experiencing.
Just as Alzheimer's disease is unique to every individual, no two people deal with the diagnosis in exactly the same way. There is no right approach, and some days may be more difficult than others, but try to avoid getting discouraged.
Questioning why the diagnosis happened can only lead to painful hours of anxiety and stress, with no answers, and accepting instead of resisting can eliminate missed opportunities for a continued quality of life.
Additionally, sharing the diagnosis with others, though most difficult after the diagnosis, can be empowering and can open up new relationships and connections with others you did not realize were willing to support you. Granted, revealing the diagnosis to family and friends may test the relationships and generate some denial among them; however, having an open dialogue and educating them about the disease remains the best course of action leading to overall acceptance, personally and by others. Patience, flexibility and open communication can provide reassurance all the way around.
Acceptance is a choice, a difficult one, but a choice, nonetheless. You may discover that through acceptance of the diagnosis, you gain peace of mind, rather than constantly fighting the inevitable reality and/or trying to change things that cannot be changed. The true beginning of acceptance comes when you choose not to judge what has happened to you.
Though you wish things would be different, cultivating and practicing acceptance prepares you for the unknown journey so that you can meet the challenges head-on in a more positive manner. Try meditation techniques, journaling, or even creative outlets as a means to acknowledge and recognize your situation.
Once you become more aware and accept Alzheimer's disease, everything will eventually slow down and instead of feeling all the chaos, fear and stress, you can actually start to feel more comfortable and make preparations accordingly.