If someone has come to you and told you they have hepatitis C, it's important to first listen calmly. Encourage them to share their feelings and fears. Listen with a non-judgmental attitude. Often, we want to help so much that we give advice when they may only want us to listen. Ask them how you can support them. If they don't know, ask them if just listening is helpful.
Let them know that you accept the way they're feeling. Many others who are infected may be feeling the same way. It's simply human to feel fear, anxiety, confusion and isolation. Reassure them that they are not alone.
About 500 new people are diagnosed with hepatitis C each year in Peel. Many of them don't know how they were infected. Studies show that many people get hepatitis C without knowing how it happened. So if someone is feeling guilt, shame or anxiety about having hepatitis C because of the way they contracted the virus, let them know there are resources out there to address these issues.
You can also support someone with hepatitis C by helping them with daily tasks, such as child minding, cooking and cleaning until they are able to do these things again. They may be very tired, so this helping hand may relieve some of their stress. It may give them a chance to rest more and explore their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage them to seek healthy coping strategies if they are ready.
How does someone who has hepatitis C feel?
Someone infected with hepatitis C may feel:
- Frightened
- Guilty
- Shameful
- Overwhelmed
- Depressed
- Tired
- Stressed
- Lost
- Uninformed
- Alone
- Sick or nauseated
- Anxious
- Confused
- Isolated
They may wonder:
- Why me?
- Did I give it to someone else?
- What did I do wrong?
How can you help?
- Listen to them
- Help them with their daily tasks
- Help them find hepatitis C-related services and resources
- Reassure them that they are not alone
- Encourage them to seek healthy coping strategies
- Be there for them whenever they need someone.
