DNA testing is a powerful tool that can reveal long-held or long forgotten secrets. Discovery of these secrets may bring both joy and trauma depending on your expectations. Here are six ways to handle DNA test results surprises.
1. Prepare Psychologically for the Test
Make sure you are deliberate about the test. You should not be coerced into a DNA test without your consent. This makes it easier to process and expect potential surprises. Prepare ahead of time so you can make an informed decision on whether to test or not and the possible outcomes of either decision.
2. Decide What You Would Like to Know
You might not be interested in everything the test discovers. Find out before the DNA test whether you want to know all the results of the test, especially surprises that could arise therefrom. You may decide you would rather not know. Visit Crigenetics for additional information.
3. Be Certain about Your Conclusions
If a surprise came from your DNA test, confirm the results. This is important since the information could be used for legal, medical, or even social purposes. Before you make any rash decisions, it’s best to make sure the results are correct. Truthful surprises are easier to manage than faulty ones.
4. Break the News Carefully
Even when your discoveries are what you expected, break the news to loved ones carefully and thoughtfully. An unknown or kept secret in a relationship can be traumatizing to some family members. Even where the secret or surprise is centuries old, it will affect individuals living today. Keep the emotional implications of the discovery at the back of your mind when divulging the information to loved ones. Gently and thoughtfully share your discoveries. Remember to only share discoveries that any interested family member wanted to discover. You have a moral responsibility to keep the secret about discoveries that are not requested or needed.
5. Have a Psychosocial Support Mechanism
In view of the possible outbursts of emotional pressure, it is prudent to have a trusted friend or family members around. Psychosocial support should start before the test and continue after the test. The most crucial moment is when receiving the discovery. Having one or two friends with you to keep you company is not a bad idea. You should be comfortable with them and not doubt their ability to keep secrets. If need be, a professional counsellor can come in handy.
6. Encourage Conversation
Some secrets could have been deliberately kept from you or your family members. Once the discovery is known to family members, questions that beg for answers could arise. Having honest discussions on the outcome of the test can help manage apparent surprises. Answers as to why there was a need for the truth to be kept a secret may help to enhance relationships. Those adversely affected by the discovery may find relief by having an understanding family around them.
Don’t be in the dark. Surprises from DNA test results are manageable, especially if you have friends and family around to help in case you need psychosocial support.
