Hi everyone 
I already shared my full story in another post here: INTRODUCTION THREAD: People affected by Hep B - #1278 by Joedoe , so I won’t repeat everything again, but I’m a 22-year-old student living in Italy and I found out about my hepatitis B around 1.5 years ago.
Lately I’ve been struggling a lot with one specific thing: telling my parents and close family members. That’s why i chose to create this topic hoping that I could win the courage to finally do it.
Part of me feels a very strong need to tell them because I’ve been carrying this alone for so long, and mentally it has been exhausting. At the same time, I’m afraid of their reaction, of being judged, misunderstood, or causing them pain and worry.
Sometimes I feel like telling them would finally let me breathe and stop hiding this part of my life. Other times I become too scared and stay silent again.
For those of you who discovered hepatitis B on your own, especially at a young age:
- How did you cope mentally?
- Did you tell your parents, siblings, or partner?
- How did the conversation go?
- Did it help you emotionally afterward?
Even a short reply or personal experience would mean a lot to me. Reading other people’s stories here already makes me feel less alone.
Thank you<3
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Hi Joe,
I was 18 when I was first diagnosed with Hepatitis B, 21 years ago. I still remember the challenges and struggles of coming to terms with the diagnosis, as I was starting my university life, and wasn’t expecting such diagnosis. It’s life changing.
I took the road of not informing my parents and family, for the first 3 months. The infectious disease department of our local hospital called my family to inform them and educate them about transmission risks etc .. , that’s how they knew.
Looking back, I wish I didn’t have to hide anything. I wish I had the opportunity to go back home and just tell them everything.
My family were understanding and consoling after they were informed.
I would suggest talking to a counselor, and discussing with them what’s at the root of you not disclosing your diagnosis to your family. It might be cultural dynamics, or family specific ( like having family members reacting overtly emotionally to negative news ). You might have a valid reason for not disclosing, or maybe it might be false assumptions you have about how they will view your diagnosis.
I sincerely feel for you, as I was there in your place.
I wish you all the best in any course of action you take.
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Hi Joedoe, What you are going through (that is to decide whether or not to disclose, to whom, when and how) is something each of us (living with Hep B) has to navigate and negotiate given our individual circumstances.
I hear you. And I shared and spoke about my situation in this patient education short video “Live Well, B You: Family Planning When Living with Hep B”.
May this be supportive to you (and others in this community).
Know that you are not alone, and trust that you will find your way.
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Dear @Joedoe,
Thank you for sharing your story and I agree with all the points that everyone has already said. I just wanted to add that it can take time to get comfortable with this idea and you don’t need to rush it.
I was diagnosed with Hep B when I was in my mid-teens. My parents were there, so I didn’t need to tell them anything, but I only started telling many of my trusted colleagues and friends many many years later, when I had the confidence and information to answer anything that might come up.
Thomas
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Hi Exit,
i’m glad to hear you got past it just after 3 months.
As I said at the beginning, it has been already a lot of time i keep it by myself, with endless rushing thoughts, fearing and imagining what would happen after disclosing. To the point that i don’t know what to do anymore, i started doubting myself like — Am I exaggerating everything? Is all this anxiety for nothing?
I doubt all the possible reasons i kept it secret ( the very first reason is i needed time and knowledge ab the diagnosis itself, then being able to run all the necessary check-ups and getting positive results on my actual health ( no liver damage for now) made me feel like i could handle it alone. But instead i came to terms that I NEEDED SOMEONE BY MY SIDE. To be with me when the thoughts hit, when the fear or worries come by, to know the other side of my life not only the one they see.
I’m truly thankful for the positive stories and advices you all shared here.
And for me, it’s left to take the courage, hopefully the right timing, and let all this battle inside me end.
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Hi there Wendy, yes I fully agree that it is very important to know to whom, when and how to disclose ab it. It’s just that I had to deal with the fear of finding out and then months, now years passing by, all by myself. I am hurt to the point that I don’t know what’s better anymore, talk it out or keep it in.
I hope i will find a way out of this asap, and I appreciate and thank you for the videos, your story helps a lot of us have HOPE.
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Dear Thomas,
first of all I want to thank you with all my heart for making it possible for us all to be in this place which to me it has become a home, really.
It has been only 2 weeks here and I can’t get enough out of it. There are lots of positive stories out here, that us newbies find peace with. Your effort, and everyone else’s who has contributed to this community mean a lot to me!
I hope you read my first story also(linked to this). Right now im struggling with the fact i kept hepB secret from everyone for so long. I can’t wait to finally have a clear mind on this and hopefully talk to my parents first. Cuz really, it has affected me drastically in every aspect of life.
I hope we’ll be talking for good stories in the future too! <3
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Dear @Joedoe,
Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m so honoured to know that this community has helped you in your time of need. We’re all here to support you in your journey!
Thomas
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