by Mary Barlow

Being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness can make you feel out of control. Here's how to take your life back.

Many people who've been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness describe it as a loss of what life was supposed to be like—the life they had planned on living. It may also mean the loss of your favorite foods and activities, of your independence, and of power and order. It's the terror in knowing, and in not knowing, and it's the loneliness of living outside the bustle of everyone else's life.

"After receiving a serious diagnosis, you're in a state of shock, certainly in crisis," says Steven Friedman, Ph.D. of Beacon Health Strategies. "You may be numb, you may be unable to process what's going on, and you certainly may be emotional."

Some life-threatening illnesses come seemingly out of nowhere, and others arrive after months of medical testing. Either way, the news comes as a blow, and it's hard knowing where to turn. "I have felt like a healthy person who has been accidentally drop-kicked into a foreign country, " writes Jesse Gruman, Ph.D. in her book Aftershock: What to Do When the Doctor Gives You or Someone You Love a Devastating Diagnosis. "I don't know the language, the culture is unfamiliar, I have no idea what is expected of me, I have no map, and I desperately want to find my way home."

But the way to good health seems as distant as Oz when you're feeling frantic. That's why, if there's time, you need to give yourself at least a day or two to digest the news you've just received. Set up any medical tests and appointments, and then take a couple of days off from everything else. During this time, only do what makes you most comfortable.

How to take control
Once you've given yourself a chance to process the news of your diagnosis, it's important to take the steps necessary for the best possible outcome:

Be yourself
After the diagnosis, it may feel like the disease defines you. You may start to describe yourself by saying, "I am a diabetic" or "I have heart disease." But you are also a spouse, brother, sister, friend, teacher, attorney, bus driver, artist, etc. "There are so many other dimensions of your life," explains Friedman. "And it's important to continue identifying with all of them."

Stay hopeful
Having a positive perspective helps. "Some people with terminal illnesses do recover," says Friedman. "And we don't know what goes into that, but hope is important." People with a life-threatening illness tend to feel better—physically and emotionally—when they feel able to manage their disease. Knowledge and optimism help people to feel empowered.

Establish your inner circle
Decide with whom you'll share your medical information. Some people want to be surrounded by family members and friends. Others prefer a quieter environment. Consider what's best for you and let your loved ones know.

Find people—or if possible, hire them—to help with household chores, yard work, and other jobs. Think about how you'll handle your regular job. Consider whom you'll turn to just to talk. This may include professional counseling, a support group, or a close friend. Many hospitals offer support groups for various conditions. You can also find them on the Web or in phone books.

Keep in mind that finding the right balance takes time. While you want to keep your life as normal as possible, it's also important not to overdo it. Give yourself more time and a lighter load to reduce the stress on your body and mind.

Research the illness
While it can be frightening, learning more about the illness will also help you to find and decide on treatments and care. If there's time, visit bookstores and libraries to learn as much as you can about the condition you're facing. Also, look for information on Web sites sponsored by reputable government and nonprofit organizations. But when it comes to research, be sure to steer clear of Web sites selling remedies.

Find the right care and treatments
After learning about your condition, consider if you should get a second opinion and/or if you need other doctors and medical professionals on your healthcare team. Discuss with your doctor(s) possible treatment options and where you can find them. Consider what care and treatments you may need right away and which ones should come later.

Take time for yourself
As you work toward better health, try to stay as strong as possible. If your doctor says you can exercise, try to do so. Also strive to eat a healthy diet. Spend time with loved ones, and take small steps to achieve something that interests you. All of this will help you gain a sense of control at a time when you're feeling otherwise vulnerable.