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Most people need and want varying levels of support but one thing is pretty much universal with all of the people we've interviewed as Positive Profiles over the years: When they've tried to go it alone, HIV had it's best chance ever at having the upper hand. When you look for some support, try to connect with people who are positive and who you can get along with. Not necessarily just like you. If you're going through some tough times that are making you feel very negative about the world around you, misery does love company but commiserating with those negative people might not be what you need at all. And, if you can get along with a person or group, the better chance you'll have of sticking with a therapist, support group or whatever avenue you choose. Here are some places to start so you can create your support network. Options If You Want To Remain Anonymous Internet Chat Rooms,Blogs, Forums There is a lot of good information online, BUT there is a lot of bad information too. To be as sure as you can be that the information you’re getting is good there are a few things to remember: -Understand that much of the information, especially in “Forums,” is pure opinion. Look for several sources to verify what appears to be someone’s opinion before you take it for fact. -Go to websites that have been around for some time – are established - and that appear to be objective without an agenda. That is where your best information will be. Steer clear of a site that is trying to sell something. -Make sure websites with “Forum,” “Blog” and “Chat Room” areas have an active moderator. The moderator’s job is to eliminate or question misinformation and to block posters who continually misinform. Anonymous Support Groups Hotlines Options For More Personal Help Primary Care Physician andMedical Staff Aside from your primary care physician, you and your doctor may decide that other medical professionals should be involved. These professionals might include a psychologist, therapist, dietician and physical therapists or other therapies like massage and acupuncture. All of these people should be in tune with people who are HIV positive. AIDS Service Organizations, Community Organizations and Faith Based Organizations The first place that you should go to is an AIDS Service Organization in you area. ASOs, usually depending on the size of the area served, can offer you services like case managers, social workers and benefits counselors who can navigate the red tape associated with getting any benefits you might be eligible for and also help you locate transportation and housing if you need that. Many ASOs also have food pantries. The professionals and volunteers at ASOs can recommend doctors and other health care providers who deal with HIV patients and are nearby. There are also support groups of different kinds that meet regularly. Community Based Organizations are similar to ASOs and offer many of the same services. CBOs might be more comfortable for some because being “community based,” they many times serve a particular community such as African American or Latino, for instance, that is more familiar for them. Faith Based Organizations have really come a long way in most areas. While some churches still are closed-minded to HIV there are many, even in smaller metropolitan areas, that have gotten over the stigma. Most spiritual groups and churches that are HIV-friendly offer an HIV support group and individual counseling. Your ASO should be able to refer you to a Faith Based Organization near you. Family and Friends Make sure that you are ready to tell them that you are HIV positive and also be as sure as you can be that they are ready to hear it. Remember that there is still a stigma associated with HIV to many so make sure the time is right. If it’s not the right time to let those close to you know, try to start with a peer or support group. You’ll find people in the same boat as you and will probably find new friends and relationships there. Remember that there is help and support when you need it from the sources mentioned above and always immediate help if you have a crisis from regional, state and national HIV Hotlines. To find a listing of those hotlines go to our website at www.hivpositivemagazine.com/hotlines.html and pick up the phone.
Copyright 2018, Positive Health Publications, Inc. This magazine is intended to enhance your relationship with your doctor - not replace it! Medical treatments and products should always be discussed with a licensed physician who has experience treating HIV and AIDS!
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