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Coming to terms with your diagnosis

There is no right way or wrong way to respond to a life-changing diagnosis.

It's important to remember that you are not alone. Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis' Support Line is here to support you.

How do I deal with these emotions?

Be nice to yourself. It’s okay not to feel okay.
Talk to friends and family.
Pace yourself – you can’t expect yourself to process your emotions instantly.
Look after your body – your emotional and physical health are linked.
Make new hopes for what you can achieve instead of focusing on what you can no longer do.
Try to take it day by day. Some days you may even feel you need to manage hour by hour, and that is okay.
Ask for professional help if you need it.

How can I support someone who has received a life changing diagnosis?

When someone reaches out emotionally, they are often not looking for facts or solutions. They want to feel heard and understood.
Try to:

Meet people where they’re at, not where you think they should be.
Listen without interrupting.
Respond with empathy rather than solutions.
Invite them to share more.

You can find more information about caring for someone with pulmonary fibrosis on our Carer's hub.

What support is available for me from Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Our Support Line team are here to help. Call us on 01223 785 725 or email supportline@actionpf.org.
Support groups provide emotional support, information, practical guidance and signposting advice. Find one near you today.
Watch our TalkingPF: Emotional Wellbeing webinar, where healthcare professionals and people living with PF discuss why emotional wellbeing is important for managing your physical health.
Read more about mental health and pulmonary fibrosis.

Our website and resources provide general information only. We cannot provide medical advice, treatment or prescriptions, nor can we assess/decide what services or clinicians you should be referred to. Support with these matters will need to be provided by your existing healthcare professional teams.

APF is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage suffered by users resulting from the information published on our website or in our resources.

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