Sometimes after a diagnosis people may feel less capable than they did before. This is the phenomena of post diagnosis skills regression.

Imagine this: You’ve just received a diagnosis for a condition that you’ve been struggling with. Perhaps you’ve always suspected or perhaps it came out of the blue. Now initially, there might be a sense of relief in knowing what’s been going on and in being able to put a name on the experience.

So far, so good.

But then, you start to notice something strange. Tasks that used to be easy now feel impossible. Skills you once had confidence in, seem to have vanished overnight. Perhaps gaining a diagnosis may start to feel like you’re actually losing some of your abilities and skills.

This experience is what we call post-diagnosis skills regression.

So, what exactly is this phenomenon? Simply put, it’s when a person experiences a decline in their abilities or skills following a diagnosis. This can happen in various areas of life – from professional tasks to daily routines and even social interactions.

But why does this happen?

First, let’s consider the emotional impact of a diagnosis. Receiving a diagnosis, whether it’s for a mental health condition, a chronic illness, or a developmental disorder, can be overwhelming. It often brings a mix of emotions – relief, fear, anxiety, and even sadness. These emotional responses can affect our cognitive functioning, increasing our cognitive load and reducing our battery. This, in turn, affects our skills and abilities.

Another factor is the shift in self-perception. Before the diagnosis, you might have been pushing through challenges without a clear understanding of why things were difficult. You may have believed that everyone felt the way you felt, that everyone experienced things in the same way as you did. Once you have a diagnosis though, there’s a tendency to re-evaluate past experiences through the lens of this new information. This can lead to doubts about your abilities and create a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy where you believe you’re less capable than before, and this belief impacts your performance.

It is good to re-evaluate. It is good to understand why things may be challenging and to rebalance your life so your wellbeing is better protected. The key word there is balance. We haven’t suddenly lost the skills we previously used, we’re just understanding the cost of using them a little better than before.

Moreover, the stress and anxiety that often accompany a diagnosis can directly affect our brain’s ability to function optimally. High levels of stress hormones like cortisol can interfere with memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. So, it’s no wonder that you might feel like you’re regressing.

Don’t forget a diagnosis can be a big thing. It can prompt a significant period of self-reflection, re-evaluation and soul searching. Life is complex, these conditions, these experiences and the way we relate to them is also complex. If it feels hard, it’s probably because you’re doing something right.

Now, let’s talk about how to handle skill regression post-diagnosis. Here are a few strategies that can help:

Acknowledge and Accept: The first step is to acknowledge that what you’re experiencing is real and valid. It’s okay to feel less capable and to struggle with tasks that used to be easy. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; it means recognising where you are so you can take steps to move forward. It is okay to FEEL these things but KNOW that acceptance is a foundation from which you will be able to take your next steps.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. This could be a therapist, a support group, friends and family or coaching with 3SC! Sharing your experiences and getting validation from others can reduce the feeling of isolation and help you gain new perspectives.

Set Realistic Goals: Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Setting realistic and achievable goals can help you rebuild your confidence and gradually regain your skills.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Remember that regression doesn’t mean failure. It’s a part of the process, and it’s temporary. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend in a similar situation.

Stay Informed: Educate yourself about your diagnosis and its potential impacts on your abilities. Understanding the WHY behind what you’re experiencing can be empowering and can help you develop effective coping strategies.

Focus on Strengths: Instead of dwelling on what you feel you’ve lost, focus on what you have. Recognise your strengths and use them to your advantage. This can boost your morale and provide a foundation to build upon.

Don’t forget you’ve haven’t lost anything, you’ve just gained a new, more authentic understanding of yourself.

Skill regression post-diagnosis can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a permanent state. With time, support, and self-compassion, you can navigate through this phase and come out stronger on the other side.

This doesn’t mean you didn’t struggle before, it just means you didn’t quite have the language to understand, interpret and describe it.

• Don’t forget;
• Acceptance isn’t failure
• Regression is temporary
• Nothing has been lost.
• Simply, a new view point has been gained.