This section is intended to guide you in making decisions about your future. In the future, you may be less able to communicate your views relating to your care and treatment. You may find that discussing and documenting your feelings and wishes in advance allows you to retain a sense of control over your illness.

This information can give you and your family some guidance as to what options are available to assist you in planning for your future.

A diagnosis of Huntington’s disease presents numerous and complex challenges, not only for the person diagnosed, but also for their family, their friends, their work colleagues and their entire social network. There can be many and varied reactions to a diagnosis of HD. These can include a sense of melancholy, panic, frustration, helplessness, despair, guilt, and anger. The rarity of the disease can contribute to feelings of isolation, fear and anxiety, due to lack of information, and lack of knowledge and understanding by others. For partners and spouses, uncertainty about the future, the prospect of becoming a caregiver, and financial worries, may exacerbate a sense of sadness, loss and fear that can accompany the diagnosis. Friends, work colleagues and the person's wider circle of contacts may find it difficult to come to terms with the reality of the changes they observe in the person, and might not always know how to respond.

If you are affected by HD, it's important that your approach to life keeps you healthy both physically and emotionally. Try to develop structure and consistency in your day and night, such as going to bed around the same time each night, eating at scheduled meal times and exercising regularly. Living our day within a constructed framework can help us to feel healthier, happier and more in control of our circumstances.

The Victorian Government's Department Better Health Channel provides health and medical information to help individuals and their communities improve their health and wellbeing. Information on the Better Health Channel is provided to help people stay healthy or understand and manage their health and medical conditions.