Coping with a medical diagnosis

By Jacqueline Estrada, personal service coordinator for Project HEALTH at Rady Children’s Hospital Orange County (Rady Children’s)

Finding comfort during an uncertain time

When a child is sick, getting a medical diagnosis can help the child and family understand what is happening and what may come next. At the same time, learning about a new diagnosis can feel scary or overwhelming. Both children and caregivers need healthy ways to cope during this time. This article shares simple and helpful steps you can take to support and comfort your child and family.

Coping with changes in health

Learning about a health condition can bring up many feelings. It is normal to feel sad, confused, stressed, worried, or even guilty. Children may not always say how they feel, but their feelings can show in other ways. Signs to watch for include trouble sleeping, low energy, wanting to be alone, or losing interest in things they used to enjoy.

Coping skills are tools people use to manage stress, strong feelings, and hard situations. These skills help us deal with challenges in healthier ways instead of feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

A medical diagnosis can change a family’s daily routine. Families may have more doctor visits, new medicines, or changes in schedules. These changes can feel stressful for both children and caregivers. Using coping skills every day can help lower stress and make it easier to handle these changes calmly.

Using coping skills

There are many coping skills that can help lower stress and manage big feelings. One helpful idea is to make a coping skills box. This is a box where you keep items that help you calm down when emotions feel strong.

Deep breathing is one simple coping skill that helps the body relax. Another helpful skill is grounding, which means using your senses to focus on the present moment. Physical activity, like going for a walk, and creative activities, such as drawing or painting, can also help lower stress.

Getting information

Learning more about a medical diagnosis can help families feel less stressed and more prepared. Writing down questions before doctor visits can help caregivers feel more confident.

Staying organized

Using a planner, calendar, alarms, or reminders can help families keep track of appointments and medications. Staying organized can reduce stress and help caregivers feel more in control.

Getting support

Family members, friends, community groups, and mental health professionals can all provide support. Therapy is a healthy choice and can help children and caregivers manage emotions and adjust to change.

Supporting your child and family

You do not have to face your child’s medical diagnosis alone. Using coping skills, staying organized, and reaching out for support can help your family through this time.

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Further reading

• Child Mind Institute. (2025). Journaling and mental health in children and adolescents.
• Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Deep breathing and relaxation techniques.
• Toprak, M., & Sarı, T. (2023). The effects of gratitude journaling on caregiver stress.