You are still you
People with dementia worry about ‘losing’ themselves because of their dementia. They worry if they forget information about their lives, about their families, or they will no longer be themselves. They worry if they can’t do the things as well as before, they will no longer be themselves, and others will treat them differently.
- You are still you.
- You are not defined by what you remember.
- You are not defined by how good you are at doing things.
We all change through life, and dementia is another change. The core of who you are, your personality, what you like (e.g. foods, music), and the people you care about tend to stay constant for most people with dementia. The things you do, your home and neighbourhood, and the people you spend time with all make you who you are.
Watch this video story where Chris Roberts talks about his diagnosis and how he has adapted to life with young-onset mixed dementia.
Get support
Call the Dementia Australia Helpline specialist support staff on 1800 100 500. This is free, and staff will listen and help you make sense about your feelings about dementia.
Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling and ask for a mental health plan for subsidised visits to a psychologist or counsellor.
