The Emotional Burden of Living with Hepatitis C

Stress and challenges can come in all shapes and sizes with hepatitis C and liver disease. They can be similar, yet different, for every person and their family. Common stressors with hep C Hepatitis C can mean a whole host of challenges. Stress can come from many places, including: Emotional stress with diagnosis, treatment, or recovery Medical: Finding the right doctor and developing your healthcare team, fighting through the healthcare system Dealing with insurance, or even not having insurance Finances Relationship difficulties; Lack of support Fear: Being afraid of the what-if’s, the future, and details of treatment or recovery Dealing with stress and other challenges These are just a few examples of stressors and challenges that can be there. But, just as there are challenges, there are also productive and proactive ways to deal with them. We all experience stress, the difference comes with how we deal with them. Choices Instead of focusing on the challenge or obstacle, don’t allow the challenge to be a roadblock or stopping point toward moving forward with good health decisions. Don’t allow your emotions to be in charge of decisions, actions, and your attitude. Focus on options, the solution, and the action steps you need to take to overcome the challenge. Whenever I’m faced with a challenge and dealing with stress, I personally rely on my faith and prayer, asking for God’s help. I ask Him to help me see the situation and the solution from His perspective and give me the attitude and strength I need to take action. Mindset A shift in your mental mindset needs to take place. We face a choice when dealing with stress and challenges. We can choose victim or victor mentality. A victim mindset is a negative approach, often based in fear and hopelessness. Fear of the what-if’s, that can leave us in a depressed state, stopping us in our tracks from seeing solutions. Victims allow their emotions to be in control, which in reality, is out of control. On the other hand, a victor mindset is a positive approach, that sees the facts, but does not allow emotions to be in control of our decisions and actions. Victors are problem solvers, looking for solutions and options to overcome the challenge. Victors are hopeful and look for the good in the situation while learning from mistakes and doing what it takes to promote change. Victor’s are proactive. My advice We all deal with stress and challenges. We even fall into the pit of a down mindset from time to time; The key is getting up, dusting ourselves off and deciding how we’re going to handle stress and approach the challenge (victim or victor). Don’t allow the stress and challenges with hepatitis C to get the best of you. You are a victor, an overcomer! How do you handle stress and challenges with hepatitis C? [lead_gen showIfLoggedIn="0" campaign="shortcode" source="site"] When I was diagnosed with hepatitis C many years ago, there were few support groups. The only websites available offered a dark outcome. I saw many people give up. Many marriages broke up. This is what happens with the absence of hope. This is also a real danger of comparing our lives with other hepatitis C patients. When I was first diagnosed in 1994, I told my physician I wanted to talk to others who were hope with skin on. I desired to talk to others who had come through this journey and were on the other side of it. People whose experience offered hope that I could grab onto the patient’s experience. Sadly, during those early years, there was very little hope. Today’s treatments for hepatitis C are greatly improved with shorter treatment times, fewer side effects, and over 95% cure rates. Even still, some patients and their families can still struggle. While it’s natural for us to want to learn about the treatment and recovery experience by reading about someone else’s journey with hepatitis C, there are some dangers in comparing ourselves. The danger of comparisons The danger of comparing others' experiences with hepatitis C to ours is this: Every person’s medical history is different Every person’s liver condition is different Every person’s body responds to treatment differently Every person’s post-treatment recovery is different Social media Social media can either be good or bad for hepatitis C patients and their families. You need to be discerning about what information is being shared. On social media, you don’t generally hear the whole story. Someone can present a very bad experience or a great experience. Without being aware you’re doing it, you may think you’ll have the same experience they did. Their experience and words can influence your thoughts and decisions; This can be either good or bad. If you fear the worst can happen because that was their experience, you’re setting yourself up for a bad experience before you even start. Don’t allow fear to control your emotions and influence your decisions. If you think you’ll sail through treatment and recovery, free from all side effects, because that was someone else’s experience, that may be unrealistic, because not every patient’s experience is exactly the same. What you can do in fighting hep C You can take proactive steps, like: Take each day and step as it comes Talk to your physician and healthcare team about your liver and medical condition, tests, treatment, and recovery Communicate with them about your symptoms and if you experience side effects Be proactive on what you can do to help if side effects occur We can glean wisdom and knowledge in hepatitis C, common treatment side effects, how to deal with specific issues, etc from others - but always check the medical facts. Remember, your experience may not be the same as someone else’s. But glean hope. There is great hope to be cured of hepatitis C and get beyond it. Keep your focus on the goal and never give up! [lead_gen showIfLoggedIn="0" campaign="shortcode" source="site"],This blog is for those of us who carry emotional weight or feel like a burden when they’re sick with hepatitis C. Let me start off by saying that my family and friends did their best to support me in every way. I give a lot of thanks for all that was done for me. But there was, and still is, a huge part of me that feels like a burden with hepatitis C. I’m working on that, and making a list for me became making a list for you too. What to do when you feel like a burden to others: Stop apologizing I’ve begun to realize how often my sentence have started with "I’m sorry, but..." Sometimes, I’m asking for help and hate to bother anyone. But there are times when I need an item from the store or a drive to the doctor. I’m not sorry that I need another human being. I don’t like to inconvenience anyone, but I’m not sorry. Sorry has a negative quality that makes me feel like I’m a burden. I’m always polite when asking and grateful for help. That’s not a being a burden, that’s being a blessing. Realize you’re a valuable human being Yes, I go for all of that "feel good" type of thinking. It sure beats lying around feeling like a burden or with the emotional weight of hepatitis C. When you hesitate to ask for help, think about what you would do if someone asked you to do something for them. You would probably be willing to help out your fellow person. So, think about the fact that you are so very worthy of letting others help you out. If you help someone, you actually feel good about it because you value that person. Let someone else show you are valuable by helping you out. They will get the good feeling that comes from lending a hand to someone in need. Draw a line in the sand I hate to think that someone may have purposefully made you feel like you were a burden or contributed to the emotional weight of hepatitis C. If anyone has said that to you, it can really hurt. These kind of people don’t understand how to give and take in the human race. You’re a little ahead of them on how to live in harmony with others. Sometimes we have to walk away from people like that. It can be very hard, especially if it’s someone you love. If they are creating a sense that you are a burden, you have to back off for a while and give yourself some space. Maybe that’s all they need too, and you will reconnect later. Don’t be afraid to step away until their attitude changes. Find patterns when you carry emotional weight If you are apologizing all the time, it can be a sign. If you let it go too far, you may begin to experience feelings of sadness or depression because you don’t feel like a valuable human being who deserves love. Eventually, you can get your sense of self worth back, even if you have to put distance between yourself and someone who feels like you’re a burden. You deserve to have safe connections with others while you are dealing with health problems from the hepatitis C virus. [lead_gen showIfLoggedIn="0" campaign="shortcode" source="site"] Anxiety is a common mental health disorder in the US. In fact, surveys indicate that roughly 1 in 3 American adults suffer from anxiety.1 For those with health conditions, such as hepatitis C, that rate may be even higher. Medical problems, as well as certain medications used to treat these problems, can both have an impact on anxiety.2 What is anxiety? Occasional worry or feelings of anxiety are normal. However, anxiety disorders can cause serious, persistent worry or fear. People with anxiety may experience sudden and intense feelings or worry or fear, or these ongoing feelings may interfere with day-to-day life. Common signs of an anxiety disorder include:2 Nervousness, tension, or restlessness A sense of impending danger Increased heart rate Rapid breathing Sweating Trembling Feeling tired or weak Trouble focusing or concentrating Sleep disruption Stomach upset Lack of control over worry Avoiding situations that may trigger anxiety How common is anxiety with hep C? Many studies have shown a link between anxiety and hepatitis C. In fact, it is fairly common for patients with hep C to also experience anxiety. 1 in 4 patients with hepatitis C report symptoms of anxiety.3 And for patients with chronic hepatitis C, the rate of anxiety accompanying the disease is significantly higher when compared with healthy people.4 Many times, anxiety is undetected and not treated3, so it is very important to mention how you are feeling to your doctor. Can hep C cause anxiety? It isn’t unusual to experience anxiety or worry at the beginning if you have been diagnosed with hep C. Continuing anxiety often occurs. The impact of living with hep C can contribute to accompanying anxiety. In addition, you may experience fear about the diagnosis, symptoms, or future health problems from the disease. You may also worry about how your diagnosis might impact relationships with family or friends.5 The virus itself may also be a contributing factor. Hepatitis C is known to deplete a substance in the brain called tryptophan. Tryptophan is important in the production of serotonin, which is brain chemical that helps balance mood. The decrease in tryptophan in the brain may be linked to symptoms of anxiety.5 Anxiety as a treatment side effect Patients undergoing treatment for hep C may also experience symptoms of anxiety as a side effect of treatment. If you have a prior history of mood disorder (anxiety or depression), you may be at an increased risk. Or, you may experience symptoms differently than you otherwise may have in the past. For example, if in the past you have suffered from feeling withdrawn or depressed, side effects from treatment may include anger or irritability, which can be symptoms of anxiety. It is important to notice any mood changes you may experience during treatment, and report those to your doctor.6 Managing anxiety symptoms If you are a patient with hepatitis C who is also experiencing anxiety, know that anxiety is a very treatable condition. First and foremost, be sure to contact your doctor, or a healthcare professional who specializes in anxiety, and be sure to let him or her know about your hep C and any other health conditions.5 Usually, the first step toward managing anxiety is psychotherapy. Your doctor or healthcare professional may refer you to a specialist who can work with you on strategies to manage your anxiety.7 There are also several “self-help” approaches you can implement to support your therapy and help relieve anxiety symptoms, such as:6 Take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough rest, eat well, and take breaks when you need them. Avoid being alone. Look for support groups or to friends and family to provide emotional support when you need it most. Try stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, meditation, or yoga. Avoid alcohol or other substances, like tobacco or drugs, as these can make symptoms worse. Exercise. Physical activity can improve mood. Don’t forget to talk to your doctor! Your doctor may choose to prescribe medication to treat your anxiety. There are different treatment options available for anxiety. Depending on your symptoms and the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe:7 An SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)—Medications such as Celexa, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft fall into this category. These medications are thought to work by blocking the brain’s reabsorption of serotonin, which may improve mood. An SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor)—Similar to SSRIs, SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and another mood chemical, norepinephrine. Medications include Cymbalta and Effexor. A tricyclic antidepressant, which works in a similar fashion to SNRIs. A benzodiapine, such as Klonopin or Xanax, which promote relaxation and reduce other physical symptoms of anxiety, and are typically prescribed for short-term usage only. If you are prescribed a medication to treat your anxiety, be sure to report any side effects to your doctor. [lead_gen showIfLoggedIn="0" campaign="shortcode" source="site"],Depression is a common experience across the world. It is especially common for those with hepatitis C (HCV). What does depression mean? The word depression often refers to the mood disorder major depressive disorder (MDD). There are other forms of depression, too. An example is postpartum depression, or depression that happens after childbirth. Our brain sends signals and processes emotions through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Two important ones for mood include serotonin and dopamine. An imbalance of these messengers can lead to depression. Some people describe depression as sadness. However, it is much more than that. Depression impacts many aspects of daily life. It prevents a person from being the best version of themselves. What are the signs of depression? Common signs of depression include:1 Loss of interest in hobbies and activities Decreased energy Trouble sleeping Changes in weight or appetite Moving or talking so slowly that others notice Feeling hopeless, empty, sad, guilty, or worthless Having trouble concentrating or completing tasks Feeling body aches, cramps, headaches, or other physical symptoms without an obvious cause Thoughts of hurting or killing oneself A person may be diagnosed with depression if they experience several of these symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.1 Depression and HCV Depression can come along with HCV. At least 1 out of every 3 people with HCV also has depression. The risk of developing depression may be as high as 4 times that of the general population.2 Depression is complex. It can be caused by a variety of things. The stress of living with a chronic condition can play a role. Battling the stigma related to HCV can take a toll on mental health. Paying for healthcare can also cause stress, especially if you have other health conditions in addition to HCV. Finally, the virus itself may directly impact the brain and the chemical messengers it relies on.3 How is depression treated? The good news is there are many ways to treat depression. Your doctor can help point you in the right direction. These options include drugs like antidepressants, talk therapy, and self-care.1 Although antidepressants often take several weeks to work, they can be helpful. These drugs may also come with side effects. These include problems sleeping or sexual side effects (decreased libido, trouble with erections, and more). Some supplements and other drugs may also interact with antidepressants. People taking antidepressants need to be monitored by their doctor.1 Talk therapy can be helpful. There are many different types of mental health professionals. It is ok to try out several to find the right fit. Support groups (both online and in person) can also be a source of mental health support. Stress-relieving and mood-boosting activities may also be helpful. These include exercising, eating well, journaling, practicing yoga, meditating, and more. In addition, studies have shown that treating HCV can also help improve depression.2 There are many possibilities for managing depression. The first step is recognizing the signs (or listening to those who are concerned) and reaching out for help. You are not alone. [lead_gen showIfLoggedIn="0" campaign="shortcode" source="site"] This is a topic that makes us all nervous, and understandably so. Pondering the end of our own life and those whom we love is a very difficult time and not an easy subject to take on. But, I felt I should try because in my own life, and the lives of all of us, we have experienced loss and for some of us we have faced it down ourselves. Loss of loved ones I am no grief expert or counsellor, or a psychologist, and I never suppose to have the best insights or advice. The fact is that like most of you, I have lost people close to me in my work in hep C, I have lost too many over the years to the end result of living with hep C for years and having advanced disease as a result. We have seen an increase in people losing their battle, and it has been very difficult for me but is much worse for those who are partners, spouses, friends, and family. Like you, I have experienced loss and felt grief in my life. My parents, my brother, a first girlfriend, dogs, and friends I cherished, and many others have passed in my life. It has never gotten easier and I do not expect it will. Each loss is different, and how it affected me was as unique as each of them were. Finding help and support As I mentioned, I am no expert on end of life and cannot tell anyone how he or she should deal with loss other than to say that in my own experience it is a healing process. At the risk of sounding cliché, it does get easier over time. Not that we ever forget those who have passed, because like you I never will forget those I have lost. If you have faith as part of your life, you have something, which can help to guide you, and support you in your time of loss. Not all people have a faith to rely on and some of us will make constructs that can support us in similar ways, right or wrong. There is no rulebook or perfect guide, at least I would be suspicious if someone suggested there was a one-size fits all guide to how best to deal with grief. Seek help if you need it, and sometimes, we need help, it is sometimes the best thing we can do. Reaching out to others can be a part of healing and better than internalizing our feelings. Please don’t feel guilt; it is a destructive walk with nothing positive to gain. "If only I had..." never leads to a good place. Surviving loss and going on to thrive in your own life is the best outcome in an otherwise sad time. Another cliché is that time heals all, and there is no set time in my experience, and grief is a process that takes time. Give yourself that time to heal. You will feel better, and the weight of loss will lift. [lead_gen showIfLoggedIn="0" campaign="shortcode" source="site"]

The Emotional Burden of Living with Hepatitis C

Stress and Challenges with Hepatitis C

The Dangers of Comparing Ourselves to Other Hepatitis C Patients

Emotional Weight from Hepatitis C: Feeling like a Burden

Anxiety and Hepatitis C

Recognizing Depression and Getting Treatment

Community Poll

Grief and Loss

Depression and Hepatitis C

What Is Mental Health?

Wellbeing and Hepatitis C: Keeping a Positive Attitude

The Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Health Disorder