Quit Treating Hep C as a “Social Stigma”

Having Hep C can be painful. It takes a toll on your physical and mental health, it pressurizes you financially because you need your life saving medication, and it disturbs your life cycle.

There are millions of Americans who are living with Hep c virus. This virus is life damaging leading to organ failure and ultimately death. Although in the current scenario it is treatable like any other disease with anti viral oral medication.

People afflicted with Hep C treat it like a stigma which they shouldn’t because it affects quality of life, be it home, office or the community one lives in. The reality is harsh and people do have difficulties in confronting the situation.

Stigma is associated with those who were past drug users and who contracted the virus through injecting needles. While there are many who have Hep C due to drug use this is only one of the many ways you can get the virus. Most of the people who have Hep C may not have used drugs at all. Commonly people presume that those with Hep C may have been past drug users and that may not be the case for all.   

The way to get out of this stigma is to be brave enough to face the fact that yes I have the virus but ultimately if I work towards it and get the right treatment I will be back leading a normal life. Realism, optimism and positivism are crucial factors when you are going through this difficult phase of your life.

Be realistic accept the fact that you have the virus and you have to do something about it. Optimism, because the disease has a treatment, and positivism to look forward to overcoming and getting rid of the virus and looking towards the future to live a life of your choosing while at it there is still a lot more that can be achieved.

The stigma of having hep c has varied reasons which mainly point towards a person’s individual life choice. Although this virus is not easily transmitted fear is still the number one factor which goes on to take a psychological burden. If we can deal with fear then we have solved 50% of our illness paving way for mental and physical recovery. This should be initiated along with healthy dietary and sanitary habits.

Ignorance is another aspect that has many patients confused, some have even performed poorly in their work space and their entire life seems to be in an unimaginable crisis. To put it straightforward these are constructs of one, and all the problems that seem to create extreme barriers can be removed from within if the individual puts to rest ignorance and embracing knowledge that will lead to making better and wiser decisions. On the outset people are always fearful of illness and death that is basic human nature.

There various ways we can overcome this fear, and to begin with positive attitude along with making the right decision to take you to the path of recovery is very important. Our societies in its conscious ways avoid people who are sick hence making it very difficult. It is important for family members and friends to be supportive in all possible ways under such circumstances.

There are various techniques and methods to keep you positive and healthy. Some of the tips have been listed by Hep C Advocate in their manual.

Be honest and realistic.

Do not base your attitude on thinking things are worse than they are or better than they are.

Make sure you seek the truth, try getting accurate information about Hep C.

Do not think that Hep C is an automatic death sentence it no longer is and it is curable.

Always live in the present, experience your surroundings, eat well and take plenty of rest.

Imagination is a powerful tool, utilize it for your benefit for positivism and optimism, avoid negativity and sadness. Always focus your attention that brings peace, joy , laughter and meaning.

Maintain your perspective for positivism. Accept the fact that you have the virus but there is a cure and you will be cured.

Rid your thoughts of negativity always have substitutes that boost your morale.

You have to try and relax at all times.

Visualize your health as getting better by the day, practice self-transformation techniques. 

Always realize that you can control your life fully and make your decisions for your benefit and a secure future. Get support, be active in support groups, and talk to people about it.

Be helpful towards the society you are living in, step outside of your individuality and reach out to others who are also in need of help. In Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, Joan Borysenko writes, “Adversity is the crucible in which the spirit is forged.” A similar expression is “that which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” Hepatitis C is an invitation to cherish each day, to live fearlessly and fully.

It is the opportunity to wear a new label. ACTING RESPONSIBLY.

You are not legally required to disclose your hepatitis C status. However, there are certain moral responsibilities that come with having a potentially infectious virus. First, do not attempt to donate blood, tissue or organs without complete and honest disclosure about your health. There are certain conditions in which donation is appropriate, such as for research purposes. Hepatitis C-positive organs are used in certain circumstances.

Educate yourself about ways you can reduce your risk of HCV transmission to others. Act from a place of responsibility rather than a place of fear. One final thought for reflection – there is another definition of stigma. In botany, the stigma is the part of a plant where bees deposit pollen. The stigma bears the fragrant sweet solution that attracts bees. It is a place of fertilization. For those with HCV, it may be the place where shame blossoms into hope. It is time to bring hepatitis C out of the closet and into the sunshine.

Your life is based on the choices you make. Your family depends on your presence, being responsible and enduring adversity is a hallmark characteristic for human life. Hep C is not a disease to be afraid of or something to hide because it is like any other disease and there are tons of them in our world. Drug users too have their set of problems, their past may be a nightmare and an addition of the virus can be mentally deteriorating. Constantly keeping negativity with such issues will only hamper the process of recovery, agility, vigilance and strength is required to rid one’s mind of these negative aspects. Always remember at the end of the day there is a cure, Hep c is no longer a disease with limited treatment, it has all available cures and one can enjoy a normal life within 3-6 months of oral treatment. Keep calm, the future is bright.