Navigating a Midlife Diagnosis: A Kaleidoscope of Emotions

Imagine you’re well into your 40s or 50s, and suddenly you’re given a diagnosis—ADHD, autism, or another condition you never realized you had. It’s like the ground beneath you has shifted, and suddenly, everything about your life, past, and even your personality seems to make sense.

But with this clarity comes a flood of emotions. The moment you hear that diagnosis, it’s like a kaleidoscope has been shaken inside you—shock, anger, relief, regret—all swirling in a dizzying pattern. Let’s explore this together.

The Shock of Realization

The initial reaction to a diagnosis in midlife is often shock. You might think, “How did I not see this before?” It’s not just the surprise of having a name for what you’ve been dealing with but also the realization that everything you’ve experienced—every struggle, every moment of feeling different—now has an explanation.

I encourage clients to sit with this feeling. Shock is the first part of healing. And while it’s overwhelming, it’s also a gateway to deeper understanding. Sometimes, using expressive arts can help process this shock. Taking a blank page and scribbling down what comes to mind—without worrying about making sense of it—can be incredibly freeing.

One product that I personally recommend is the Artica Acrylic Paint Set. Whether experienced in painting or just starting, this set is perfect for expressing emotions through colour. It allows you to highlight what words can’t often convey during these overwhelming moments.

The Anger of “What Could Have Been”

Aftershock, anger often follows. You may wonder, “How different could my life have been if I’d known sooner?” This is such a shared experience. There’s grief for the opportunities that feel lost, the relationships that could have been smoother, and the struggles that may have been lessened with earlier support.

In moments like these, play techniques—something I use with children but is just as decisive for adults—can help you express that anger safely. Sometimes, symbolic objects like clay or puppets can help channel emotions that feel too big to manage.

A simple but effective way to explore this is with Modeling Clay. One product I recommend is the Playsmart Soft Modeling Clay. Sculpting can be a great way to process anger by creating, moulding, and reshaping—just like you do with your emotions.

The Relief of Understanding

Relief is another wave in this emotional kaleidoscope. After years of wondering why certain things have been so challenging, there’s comfort in having an answer. The diagnosis is a lens through which your past starts to make sense. You realize that those moments where you felt “off” or out of place had a reason.

But relief can be fleeting if not appropriately embraced. During this stage, I often encourage using journaling or creative writing as a form of self-expression. Let the words flow onto the page, allowing yourself to express gratitude for this new understanding. Writing can be healing, a way to document your relief while leaving room for future growth.

The Regret of Time Lost

Regret tends to arrive quietly, like a shadow. It might be subtle at first, but it grows. The “what ifs” start to take over. “What if I had known earlier? Could I have achieved more? Would my relationships be different?”

This is where the healing power of expressive arts and play shines. Regret doesn’t have to define your story. In fact, it can be the stepping stone toward creating something new. Engage in activities that allow you to play and reconnect with your inner child—give yourself permission to feel joy again, even in regret.

One of my favourite recommendations for this is the Fevicreate DIY Craft Kit. Engaging in playful, hands-on, creative activities allows you to process emotions and reconnects you with a sense of lightness that may feel lost. You can check it out here.

Embracing the Full Spectrum

So, how do you move forward with all these swirling emotions—shock, anger, relief, and regret? The truth is, you don’t need to “fix” them. Instead, embrace them. Every emotion is a colour in your life’s kaleidoscope, and each one adds depth and meaning to your story.

Expressive arts and play aren’t just tools for children. They’re for anyone navigating the complexities of life’s emotions. By engaging creatively, you can express what words cannot. You can process the feelings tied to your diagnosis through painting, sculpting, crafting, or playful exploration.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I’m here to help. I offer one-on-one consultations to guide you through this process of emotional healing. Whether it’s through expressive arts or play, we can explore how to move forward together. Book a session with me here, and let’s begin this journey of understanding, healing, and transformation.

Recommended Products:

Artica Acrylic Paint Set – Perfect for emotional expression through painting. Playsmart Soft Modeling Clay – Great for hands-on emotional release. Fevicreate DIY Craft Kit – A playful way to process emotions and reconnect with joy.Let’s Connect

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out to me for a one-on-one consultation, and let’s explore how you can use creative expression to process and heal from your midlife diagnosis. Click here to book your session today.

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