HIV support is extremely important for all living with HIV, whether you have just been diagnosed or whether you have had the condition for years. Support at some time or another in ones life, is a must for our welfare and our sanity and that is true for everyone not matter what their problem. However there are two types of HIV support, which singly are very useful and therapeutic, however when combined HIV support takes on a new power of its own.
Support and understanding is better when it comes from those who truly understand your plight. This is the reason why it is necessary to pursue two differing types of HIV support. Obviously you need the treatment, support and aid that is dispensed from your doctor, nurse and counsellors at the medical centre. This type of HIV support is fundamental to ensuring that you receive the very best type of care and attention. And that your medication is always perfect for you.
However these people with all their reading, training and education do not understand the intricacies of living with HIV on a daily basis. They cannot understand the emotional turmoil and the problems that it inflicts onto an everyday life. How can they? They do not share your condition and cannot therefore share your pain. They can offer you the best medicines and theories around but they cannot truly empathise.
What is needed here is a real understanding of how your condition impacts upon you and all around you. This situation is similar to having just lost a child, how can anyone truly understand the position you find yourself in, unless they too have suffered the pain of this heartbreak?
Now it is obvious to say that each one of us is unique and even if we share conditions and treatment, our conditions will impact upon us in differing ways. This has to do with our emotions and tolerances. Some people when first diagnosed completely break down. Others take it on the chin and become determined to fight back and live life to the full. We all react differently and the way we react is not just determined by our emotional wellbeing but also by environmental, internal and external events. If we are so stressed with our families and or careers, and our health takes a downward spiral it will impact differently than for someone who was not feeling stressed or anxious.
How we deal with our inner thoughts and problems also has an impact upon our stress levels. Many people living with HIV do not talk to anyone other than members of their medical team about their condition. They refuse to burden friends and family and keep quiet. However problems, anxieties and niggles need to be expressed when they first appear otherwise they have a tendency not only to grow, but also to make us ill.
So what is the answer? Well one of the best solutions for receiving excellent two fold HIV support is to ensure that you join some sort of HIV support group. There are many held in local communities and many are open to both those living with HIV as well as their families. Being able to talk to people who really understand the things you go through, both physically and emotionally can be extremely uplifting. You begin to realise that you are part of a large group of people and you are not as isolated or different as you once thought. You can learn how others dealt with situations and how their treatment differs from yours. You get a sense of belonging and before long you will probably meet people who become not just HIV support but become real life long friends.
For HIV support to be really beneficial it is important to ensure that you are in receipt of both types of support; HIV support for treatment from your medical team and HIV support from those who can really uplift you. However should joining a group setting not take your fancy, when why not join an online HIV support site? There are lots around and some double up as HIV dating sites as well. This way you can chat to other people, support each other and never have to leave your own home if you do not want to. These sites also have the added bonus of being open 24/7. So should you need support in the middle of the night there is usually someone online to help.
People who attend HIV support groups are ready to start living their lives again or are already living their lives to the full. They are interesting fun people, who are trying to accept their condition but not allowing it to run their lives. These are the sort of people everyone should surround themselves with, for everyone needs to live this way.
So do yourself a favour and go out and ensure that you are receiving two sorts of HIV support. Firstly from your medical team and secondly a more personal supportive type of HIV support from people who can really show you how to live your life. By doing this you will be happier and healthier and even learn to develop an inner peace. Also this way you will learn to control your condition and therefore put more control back into your life.
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This article is contributed by Ana Smith from the HIVMatch Publishing Team. She works together with founders Richard and Nigel and writes dating/relationship articles. You can find more about HIV Support and HIVMatch by visiting their website.
