How to Talk About Your Diagnosis With Family and Friends When You Have Psoriatic Arthritis
Living with psoriatic arthritis can be difficult, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed when thinking about how to discuss your diagnosis with family and friends. Fortunately, there are ways to make this conversation easier. Here are some tips for talking about your psoriatic arthritis diagnosis with family and friends:
1. Start by educating yourself on the condition: Before you talk to family and friends about your diagnosis, it is important to educate yourself on the condition. Knowing more about the symptoms, treatments, and prognosis of psoriatic arthritis can help you explain the condition in a way that is clear and easy for others to understand.
2. Prepare what you want to say ahead of time: It can be helpful to think through what you want to say ahead of time so that you don’t get overwhelmed or confused during the conversation. Consider writing down key points that you want to make or even rehearsing what you want to say out loud before talking with family and friends.
3. Ask for help if needed: Your loved ones may not know exactly how best they can support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed! Let them know specific ways in which they can assist such as helping out around the house or providing emotional support when needed.
4. Be honest about how you are feeling: Living with psoriatic arthritis can bring up a range of emotions such as fear, frustration, sadness, etc., so don’t be afraid or ashamed of expressing these feelings honestly with your loved ones! This will allow them understand better what it is like living with this condition day-to-day and how best they can support you moving forward.
By following these tips, talking about your psoriatic arthritis diagnosis should become easier over time! Remember that having an open dialogue with those closest around us is essential in order for us receive the love and understanding we need during this difficult journey.
Tags:
psoriatic arthritis, symptoms, treatments, prognosis, family and friends, educate yourself, prepare ahead of time, ask for help, honest feelings, open dialogue,