Pardon my lack of eloquence in writing, but here goes:
I've worn diapers for most of my life by choice but I've recently had an injury (T12 Spinal fracture) that has on occasion quite surprised me with a lack of bladder control - some days I'm fine and other days I'll be going before I even realize it.
I do think "outsiders" (people that have never worn for medical or personal reasons) seriously underestimate just how much confidence having "protection" gives you, as well as the gamut of emotional and psychological impacts it has on one's self.
Certainly, how diapers will now fit into your life will be a journey, but I definitely think you are approaching it with the right attitude!
While "incontinence garments" can certainly be inconvenient to some degree, it's definitely good to focus on the positive aspects of medical need/protection from embarrassing situations.
As for the emotional gauntlet, at this point in my life, it's subtle and I don't even think about it, but I should more often, as it really can have an amazing and beneficial aspect to the whole situation.
When I do take the time to focus on it, it evokes a state of (mental) "being" that results in feelings and emotions of being loved, accepted, and cared for - certainly a "hole" as far as my current life/situation is concerned, but also throughout my life.
Yes, I'm deeply concerned with others finding out, and yes, I've had two long-term (7+ year) relationships that have not been supportive of this aspect of my life, so that's certainly a challenge that I have yet to overcome.
I think a large part of the emotional/psychological benefits (and challenges!) for me has been the acceptance factor.
Typically when you are in the baby/toddler phase of life, you aren't concerned with how other people view you - it's only later in life that we learn how to judge ourselves through some perceived notion of what other people will think.
Really being comfortable in your own skin, with who you are, is key in dealing with things that other people may consider curious, odd, kinky, or taboo at first glance.
As a child, I was beaten for bedwetting(among other things) and quickly learned how to hide and deal with it. It took me many years to gain the maturity and perspective to move past that and focus on the few positive elements of my childhood, rather than the many negatives.
looking back now, I think that wearing diapers has, to some degree, helped fulfill emotional needs that were not met as a child.
I never knew my birth mother as a child, as I was adopted at 2 yrs old (though I was re-united with her a few years ago) there are many questions I still don't have the balls to ask relating to how I was cared for and under what conditions - the adoption agency told my adoptive parents some rather sad and horrifying conditions...
Personally, I consider it as an underwear preference, that falls into the "briefs" category of the classic "boxers or briefs" questionnaire, and that's really nobody's business but your own.
Thank you for having the courage to share and seek support from the community. I've only been on this site a week and It's been amazing so far.
Cheers!