Helping Adult Children with Hep C

You’re thinking that your child was ready for adulthood, but something just doesn’t seem right.  They may be having problems with friends or at their job. They act like everything is fine, but a parent knows.

Something isn’t quite adding up in your mind and you might wonder if it has to do with their health.

How can you help adult children with hep C? What if they don’t want your help?

Rebuilding trust with your child

Hopefully, your relationship isn’t strained, but if it is, there is still a lot you can do. Initially, it may take a lot of giving on your part.

You may have to slowly build a bridge of trust while protecting your personal boundaries. If your adult child with hep C lives in your home, you may have a little bit more sway over their actions.

Process your own feelings

Once the shock of the hep C diagnosis wears off, begin by taking care of yourself. Make some notes about how you feel.

Write down any ideas that you learn while reading about hep C on the internet. Take time to process how this will go for you while helping your adult child with hep C.

When to bring up hep C to your child

Look for an opportunity to bring up the subject. Talk about a commercial you saw on television or bring up another person you knew who has hep C.

You might even tell them that you searched for something on the internet and that hep C came up. In other words, let them know that you are ready to talk about it.

Choosing a good time to talk

If you’re lucky enough to have a close relationship, you can get creative. Take them to a fave place to eat and chat about it.

You might go to a drive-thru place and sit in the car. If your home is quiet and you have space to be alone with them, that is even better.

You can try bringing it up while you’re watching a movie together. Plan a meal that they enjoy and tell them you have something in your heart that needs to come out.

Focus on the Big Picture

By doing your research ahead of time, you can have a plan in mind. Bring up the idea of going to a nearby clinic.

If they are dealing with addictions, offer support for that part of their life too. By letting them know you believe in them, they may have increased confidence.

Keep your conversation going around the big picture. Use simple, honest phrases like, “Hepatitis C harms the liver” and “there is a cure”.

You could also tell them that there are treatments available and you will help them get started.

Strengthing your relationship with your child

If you have the feeling that hepatitis C may be harming your adult child’s liver, it can be scary. By building a bridge to a strong relationship, you can have a conversation that may lead to them getting cured.

Take care of yourself while encouraging your loved one to take care of themself. It can lead to a whole new future for your whole family.

Don’t be disappointed if the first conversation doesn’t go well. Remember it takes time to build a bridge.