May is National Hepatitis C Awareness Month
May has been declared National Hepatitis C Awareness Month by the Center for Disease Control. I think it is ironic that they chose the month of May because it is also Mental Health Month. Given that the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) has such a huge impact on not just our physical health, but our mental health, this pairing is a good thing.
The month of May brings to mind thoughts of spring, flowers, and new life. We all remember the rhyme “April showers bring May flowers” when we think of the merry month of May. You know how I love words. The boring English teacher in me thinks in acronyms, and I have one that has been tumbling around in my head all week. May be you will join me as I look at the connections that we, as HCV patients, have with Hepatitis C and Mental Health Awareness.
M is for Mental – Our mental health is an important part of recovery from Hepatitis C and liver disease. Life is challenging at best. We have suffered from this silent disease for years which has created doubt in our mental ability to cope with life. Our liver has been inflamed and it has undeniably wreaked havoc on our body’s system of communicating with our brain. When sugar and protein metabolism has been hampered, our brain misfires and simply does not make good connections. Our personal thought life, as well as our relationship with family members and co-workers has probably been strained. But we have survived. We have fought through the self doubt and created many work arounds which is a testament to our fortitude.
A is for Awareness – Once we are aware of our diagnosis, we can step back and see more clearly what steps need to be taken. The temptation here is to bury our thoughts and remain in denial. When we are overwhelmed, it is easier to shut down. The truth is startling because it requires change. I challenge you to fight to remain aware. Be on the alert not only for yourself, but for your friends and loved one. Remain in a state of awareness every day, if only for short periods of time.
Y is for You – We all know the theory about the parent on the airplane that lost its air pressure. If they try and put the air mask on their child first, they will pass out before it can be accomplished. What happens is that neither one of them have life giving oxygen. But when the parent puts their own mask on, they are able to take care of their loved ones. We may feel guilty about taking care of ourselves first. It seems selfish. This story is a great analogy of how crucial self-care is. When you think about being aware – be aware of your own needs first. Put YOU at the top of your list. This means making time for quiet reflection on how to best care for yourself, making a plan of action, and then implementing it.
May I make a suggestion? This May let’s do it together. Let’s take a good look at our mental health in general, and as it relates to Hepatitis C. Let’s follow the Center for Disease Control’s lead in creating self awareness. Finally, let’s take care of ourselves. We can do all of this through looking inward with honesty. Writing in a journal, praying, talking to a trusted friend or loved one, educating ourselves by reading thought provoking material are all good ways to begin. You know that I am working hard at this. Like you, I have been given a chance to outlive the expiration date. It makes me smile to know that we are not alone. I am aware, Karen:)
P.S. You know how I roll with the song lyrics. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zepplin rocks it with a lot of spiritual meaning. I personally interpret it to mean you cannot buy your way to heaven. But this verse reminds me of our May Spring Cleaning. Maybe we need to clean out the anxiety and depression hedgerow. There’s still time to change the road you’re on. And it makes me wonder. link to youtube Stairway to Heaven.
images via wikipedia,
May is National Hepatitis C Awareness Month
