3 Things to Know After Being Diagnosed With Major Depressive Disorder

Here’s the thing about mental health … it’s hard to deal with and it’s hard to understand and really, just in general, it’s just a difficult thing. But sometimes just as hard as it is to manage it, it can be just as difficult just getting the diagnosis.

Even though the conversations around depression have improved over the last decade or so, there is still a lot of stigma, especially in more conservative workplaces. Especially if you’re a POC who has parents or older generational family members who just can’t seem to understand it.

It can take a long time of advocating for yourself, finding the right therapists and doctors, and trying to get insurance to cover some of the costs of finding the diagnosis. After all of that, you may end up asking yourself: OK … now what?

Here are three things to keep in mind when you get a major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis:

1. Take a moment to let it sink in

It can feel both overwhelming and relieving to get an official diagnosis. It did for me. How come? I finally felt valid. After all of these challenging years of being alone and trying to come to terms with this invisible disorder, I finally had a name for it. When speaking with your therapist, you may be learning a lot of new verbiage and phrasing, rewiring your brain to change thinking patterns. You may have options for new medications. Medications with names that you can’t yet pronounce and potential side effects that you don’t know how to manage.

It’s OK. There is no rush. Take your time. Talk it out. Journal. Do your own research. Talk to your therapist. Take it one day at a time.

2. Know that things may not change right away

With a shiny new diagnosis, you may think that perhaps everything will be different now. And things will change and get better as you continue to learn more about MDD and be able to articulate your experiences. But it may not happen all at once and it won’t happen all in one day.

If you’re trying new medications, it will take a few weeks for your body to adjust to it. If you’re starting CBT, it will take a few sessions before you see the results of the hard work you’re putting in.

Be patient with yourself and extend yourself the same grace that I know you’ve extended to many others in your life. It won’t happen all at once, but it will happen.

3. You don’t have to share your diagnosis with anybody

Your diagnosis is yours and yours alone. Of course, you are more than welcome to share it with whomever you’d like, but please know that you do not have an obligation to do so. You do not have to tell friends, family, coworkers, or even your parents. Yes, you may want to tell your doctor, but that’s between you and your doctor.

You are still you and this is just another aspect of your health. It is part of your story and you do not owe your story to anybody.

Getting a new diagnosis can be difficult and scary and freeing all at the same time. And with conflicting emotions, it can be at times very difficult to untangle. But you’re doing so well and please remember that you are not alone. Take your time with it, be patient with yourself, and know that you are stronger than you think.

Take it one step at a time and remember that you are not alone. You’ve got this.