Advice
Waiting for Test Results: Living in Uncertainty
2026-09-30 10:55:24
When someone you love is suspected to have a serious illness, or if they have a diagnosis and are now waiting for further results, life might feel like it’s on pause. You might not know whether to prepare for bad news or carry on as normal – it might feel like being suspended between hope and fear.
Waiting can sometimes feel harder than knowing; uncertainty can fuel anxiety, and your mind might be filling in the gaps with the worst-case scenarios. It can be difficult to feel like you are not in control, and might feel even worse if you just haven’t heard anything…
Impact on wellbeing
This stressful time might have an effect on your wellbeing; you might struggle to sleep or eat, and find it difficult to concentrate. You might also feel irritable, tearful or numb, or feel like your body is on “high alert”. You might also feel isolated and disconnected from friends, family or your usual life – it can feel difficult when you feel like your world has stopped and everyone else’s continues as normal. You might want to talk about how you feel, but not be sure how to do it.
However, it is important to remember that these are very normal responses to an incredibly stressful situation. Different people might react differently as some might want to talk about it, and some might try to avoid talking. Some people might feel very emotional, whereas others might seem numb or trying to continue their lives as if nothing is happening. It can also be tricky if the coping styles clash within a family and you cope in different ways, but acknowledging each others needs can be really helpful.
Here are some ideas on what you can try to cope with waiting for the results:
Practical coping ideas
Keeping a routine where possible can help everything feel a bit more normal, and it can help you to stay busy and avoid spiralling into negative thoughts. It is usually a good idea to limit searching for answers on the internet (or asking AI!), as not every source is legitimate and every case might be different. Writing down worries and questions can also help you to get them off your mind. Spending time outside, walking or sitting in the park or garden, can help you relax and connect with nature whilst, if you feel like it, seeing your friends and family can also help to take your mind off waiting even if it is always in the back of your mind. Grounding techniques, such as the 5 senses technique or breathing exercises can help you feel more grounded and present in the moment. If you can, continue your hobbies and things that you enjoy doing, such as reading or watching your favourite show.
Giving yourself the permission to feel
It is important to remember that it is okay to feel scared, angry, worried and exhausted. There is no right way to feel when you await test results. Try offering yourself compassion and think, what would you say to a friend if they were in the same situation? It is okay to cry and feel emotions, and it’s completely normal to feel however you feel (even if that changes day to day!).
Thinking of the best-case scenario
In moments of uncertainty, our brains often can take us to the worst-case scenario. However, at this point nobody knows what the outcome will be and, whilst it can be difficult to do this, it’s worth remembering that you don’t have all the answers in this moment. It’s natural to race ahead and imagine every possibility, but sometimes it helps to bring yourself back to today and to the facts you have now, not the fears your mind is creating – and whatever DOES happen, you will get through it.
Ask for support
If your loved one has a diagnosis of a serious illness, and you’re struggling waiting for test results (or anything else relating to their illness) we’re here for you. We offer one-to-ones where you can offload your worries to someone who understands and look at more coping strategies, so you don’t have to go through this alone. Head to our support page to find more about what we offer.
