Deciding and Telling About Your Health Condition

Have you ever wanted to tell someone about your health condition and wondered how they might react?

Deciding to tell someone about your condition may cause anxiety, embarrassment, or fear of being seen as "different".  Whether it is a friend, co-worker, or someone else outside your family, people may respond to news about your health condition in many different ways. They may be calm or uncomfortable.  They may ask you lots of questions.  It's possible they may not want to know about it.  Be ready for all types of responses, and learn how to cope with different reactions.

Once you have decided to tell someone about your health condition:

• Practice what you will say with trusted others
• Take a deep breath
• Remind yourself that some people may need more time to be understanding
• “Debrief” with people who are supportive

We have created a worksheet to help you practice how to share information about your health condition:

• good and not so good things about sharing information
• things that may make it easier for you to tell
• potential reactions from others