Podcast: Here's how to cope when you're facing illness

A diagnosis can be overwhelming. Dr Faith Mahlangu explains how our emotions and perceptions can cloud our understanding. She emphasises taking time to process and ask questions to avoid anxiety and find support

Hearing the words “you have been diagnosed with…” from a doctor can be a shock, leaving you with a bag of emotions and fear. Dr Faith Mahlangu from Mpumalanga discusses the emotional impact of being diagnosed with an illness and coping mechanisms.

According to Mahlangu, people perceive an illness based on their perception of how it’s going to impact their lives and relationships, how much medication they’re going to have to take, and how it will impact them in general.

Mahlangu is a medical doctor working in a psychiatric facility, and furthering her studies to specialise in psychiatricy.

“A lot of people struggle with accepting, so the moment you give them a diagnosis, they struggle with denial, and then you’d hear things like them going and getting a second opinion, which everyone has the right to have.

“So because they struggle to accept, some may decide to practice their beliefs. So they go towards their spiritual aspect, and maybe they’re hoping to find a different outcome there.”

Processing your diagnosis

When faced with an illness diagnosis, Mahlangu emphasises that it is essential to take the time to process your emotions, gather your thoughts, and avoid internalising your emotions, as this can lead to increased anxiety and stress.

“It’s important to speak about what it is that you may be wondering about and what questions you may have because you can find that you leave and you don’t have answers. And you’re going to start looking at the incorrect sources, which could only add to your anxiety,” she explains.

“So I would really encourage you to ask questions. Ask as much as you need to. Get as much clarity as you need to and express your anxieties.”

She further acknowledges that it’s not always easy to have a conversation with loved ones for those dealing with a terminal illness, but one should seek support in the process.

“I think the first thing would be to not necessarily rush that conversation because there’s your diagnosis and you’re still needing to process that diagnosis. So allow yourself that space. Don’t rush yourself into that if you’re not ready, especially if you have that terminal illness,” she advises.