Confidence

When one has been diagnosed with a serious health issue such as hepatitis C, one can begin to develop a different mind set about ones being. By that I mean a person might begin to feel depressed or more self-conscious of themselves. For me, I was feeling I lost who Kim was. It was like my self-worth, my self-confidence was gone. A piece of paper I walked out of that doctor’s office did all this to my self-esteem.

Feeling ashamed and alone

I felt I was no longer a person worthy of love, of anyone getting close to me. After all, why would they? I felt I was now defective. I was damaged goods. I have many that reach out to me asking if this is common and I feel in some way form or shape one being diagnosed with a disease would feel some sort of shame or want to exclude themselves from others. Whether it is shame or embarrassment, I feel at some point one would feel this. There are those that can honestly say they don’t care about other thoughts or feelings about this, but the majority I personally have talked with go through this in various degrees.

Coping with hepatitis C

Some get through it fast and others may linger in the feelings and get more depressed over time. It is when that happens that I recommend talking to your doctor about this and finding some sort of professional help. You are not alone, and you must know this. What you are feeling is common and it is ok to grieve the old you. What you must remember is that you are still the same you. Your body might be fighting a serious illness or yes hep C, but that should never define you as a person. You HAVE a disease You are NOT the disease. Life is still meant to be lived and enjoyed, not wrapped up in a diagnosis. Continue your hobbies and enjoying family and friends. You are fighting a virus now that has a CURE. Keep that in your mind. It no longer is a death sentence.