What emotional response is valid for clients newly diagnosed with a helminth infection?

A sense of embarrassment and shame is a valid emotional response for clients newly diagnosed with a helminth infection due to the social stigma that often surrounds parasitic infections. Individuals may worry about how their condition reflects on their hygiene, sexual health, or lifestyle choices, leading to feelings of embarrassment. This response can be particularly pronounced in cultures where such infections are associated with poor health practices or are viewed as a sign of being unclean.

While feelings such as indifference, denial, or frustration related to treatment can occur, they often do not capture the complexity of the emotional landscape faced by individuals receiving a diagnosis. A sense of embarrassment may encourage individuals to seek support or additional resources for management and education about their condition, making it an important emotional response to recognize and address.