Programs & Services > David Kelley Services > HIV/AIDS Community Counselling > How to cope with finding out you're HIV positive
Issues you may be facing
How to cope with finding out you're HIV positive
Everyone responds differently to being diagnosed as HIV positive. Some experience feelings of disbelief, panic, anger and anxiety, while others are surprised to find that they are relieved to have their diagnosis confirmed after expecting it for quite some time.
Many also become either concerned about who might find out about their diagnosis or have difficulty deliberating about who needs to be told.
Now that you know, though, remember that it is never too late to take action to maintain your health. Being HIV positive is NOT a death sentence. In fact, people can live with HIV, without developing symptoms, for many years after being infected.
If you have recently been diagnosed as HIV positive, you may want
to consider some of the following coping strategies put together
by our counsellors.
- First and foremost, it's important
not to feel pressured to make any major changes after hearing
you're HIV positive. Take some time to let it sink in.
- When you're ready, it's important to talk to someone you trust about your
feelings. This person could be a confidante, family member,
partner, friend, counsellor or health care provider.
- Before you share your HIV status with others, make sure you prepare
yourself to deal with their potential responses ahead of time.
Many people may be supportive when you share your HIV status;
some may not be, while others may have questions.
- Learn as much as you can about
HIV and AIDS and the treatments that are currently available,
including their benefits and side effects. Although presently,
there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, new treatments and antiviral medications
have greatly improved the quality of life for a lot of people
who are HIV positive. Research shows that new treatments for
HIV can slow down, or even stop the virus from reproducing in
your body.
- For more information about how to cope with finding out you are HIV positive, we suggest you get a copy of the pamphlet "Testing Positive". This is a free pamphlet that you can pick up at the Hassle Free Men's Clinic (416-922-0603) or the Hassle Free Women's Clinic (416-922-0566) at 556 Church Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto.
Issues you may be facing:
- How to cope with finding out you're HIV positive
- How to maintain a sexual relationship when one of you is HIV positive
- Living life to the fullest after being diagnosed with HIV
To arrange for counselling, please call our Service Access Unit, Tel: 416.595.9618
