First and foremost, experience shows that you need to get your emotions out - not keep them bottled up. You can do this on your own through such techniques as writing, journaling or creating art.

Keep in mind that adjustment can be difficult. Adjustment is also ongoing as the situation constantly shifts.

Live with hope. Hope may be as simple as hoping to have a day without great pian, or to be able to visit with people you love or to attend a family event. Hope is always possible. Look for a balance between hope and acceptance.

Communicate with the people around you.

• Think of friends and family as part of your care team.
• Take time with the people closest to you. Talk with each other about the emotions each of you are feeling. Be honest and open.
• Let each of your frirends and family members know your needs and goals.  
• Let each person know the part you expect him or her to play.  
• Share your fears.
• Let people know what to expect of you.  
• Be aware that you can set limits with friends and family.  
• Listen to and consider the point of view of people close to you to help hone mutual objectives and get a realistic understanding of what to expect.
• Make sure that each person adds to the team goals -- which really means your goals.  
• Coordinate the team members. If questions or situations involve more than one of your team members, set up a means of having them communicate with each other. For example, set up a conference call or ask one of them to do it for you. Most phone services now come with the ability to make conference calls. 
• Work through problems with any team members. 
• Replace team members that don't work out.
• Understand that a diagnosis affects everyone around you emotionally, especially your spouse and other caregivers. It's your decision whose needs are paramount at any given moment. It takes time for everyone to adjust. 
• Being open with each other goes a long way to making sure each person's needs are met.

Learn how to deal with stress, anxiety and panic attacks. Watch for depression and keep in mind that it is treatable.

Make the world around you as pleasant as possible. For example, repaint a room to the color that most pleases you.

Help is available to deal with your emotions. For instance, you can join a Support Group or create an informal support group of your own. There are professionals such as social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists. Non profit organizations that deal with your disease can also help.

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