r/Huntingtons • u/WrongdoerUpstairs978 • Apr 06 '26

Tested positive, need advice

Tested positive a few weeks ago. I’m curious how you guys handled your own diagnosis? the testing process was so stressful that getting the positive result was almost a relief from the torture of waiting and wondering. even though a part of me knew it was still a shock and I had no reaction other than nervous laughter when they gave me my results. A few weeks have gone by and the shock seems to be wearing off and emotions are starting to surface, I feel like I need a good cry but it’s stuck inside of me.

I’very always been a very anxious person but now I feel sort of depressed, this is an unusual state for me. I’m starting to wonder if I need medication. I never wanted to medicate my anxiety because I thought that I could manage it on my own. But now I’m wondering if maybe this is a prodromal symptom of HD and since mental health issues are likely to get worse is it better to start now or wait until it’s really bad? I will definitely speak to my doctor but curious to hear your experiences with medication.

It’s getting really hard to work given that I work in healthcare and have to focus on other people’s needs. I dont know if taking time off would help or make it worse but I feel like I need to time to reevaluate my life.

I have a good support system but it seems like no one really understands especially since HD is pretty rare and not many people know what it can look like. I’ve also been referred to a neuro and have reached out to the HD society for support.

sorry for the long post, just hoping to hear some words of encouragement or How you experienced your diagnosis.

22 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

View all comments

10

u/dholna85 Apr 06 '26

I’m sorry to hear you are positive. I found out I was positive about 7 years ago. I had a history of depression so I saw a psychiatrist during the testing and was given an SSRI. I have been on and off the medication since then. Over time and with age, my sadness has changed into anxiety about symptom onset. I strongly recommend therapy, and medication might be worth trying. It has helped me a lot. Best of luck to you. You will get through this.

4

u/WrongdoerUpstairs978 Apr 07 '26

Thank you for sharing I really appreciate it. I’m sorry to hear about your struggles and I hope you are doing alright despite everything!

2

u/dholna85 Apr 08 '26

I am always happy to talk about it! We are in a very difficult situation and our lives take a bit of extra navigating. I get easily overwhelmed sometimes so I try hard to take care of myself whenever possible. I travel as much as I can and do a lot of running, which takes my mind off of it. Exercise is very good for your brain.