Monthly Archives: September 2014

Advice from a Caregiver: Part 4

Action Tips, Advocacy, Stigma, Support

Today we conclude our “Advice from a Caregiver” series and our final question is about the importance of educating others about HIV. One caregiver shares how HIV doesn’t discriminate and it can affect anyone both directly and indirectly. As we conclude this series let us think about how we can work to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS so that we too can be supportive friends, and advocates

What message do you share when educating others?

“You can learn a lot from people with HIV. I think no matter what, education is key. You see their perseverance and how they deal with life, dealing with the stigma and what they are able to overcome. It should be your number one goal to reduce that stigma because HIV can affect anyone. That’s my message when I go out and talk about HIV. I say that it can affect anyone, you are not out of the range [of infection], and no one is invincible. HIV/AIDS doesn’t discriminate and it could be your friend, your brother, your sister, your mom or your dad. Anyone in your life can get it! How are you going to react to that?”

Do you have any extra tips on how to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS? Share with us your thoughts and comments below!

Click on the links to see PART 1, PART2, or PART 3!

Overcoming

Action Tips, Emotional Health, Support

Today we continue with our “Overcoming Series” and learn how LTAI members cope with their day-to-day challenges. It is important to find what works for you so that you can have a strategy to fight through the challenges. If you missed the last “Overcoming” post you can check it out HERE!

“I stop and reflect about how much I do have – friends, family, that I can always turn to.”

“I overcome my challenges by sticking them out and seeing them through until their end.”

Let us know how you deal with your daily challenges by leaving us a comment below! We’d love to hear from you!

 

Advice from a Caregiver: Part 3

Action Tips, Advocacy, Lessons Learned, Support

In Part 3 of our “Advice from a Caregiver” series, we learn the importance of support groups and advocacy.

Support activities aren’t just for HIV positive people. They can be very helpful for family members as well. Participating in support groups and advocating can help tremendously in the fight against HIV and make you feel like you are not alone!

Are you involved in HIV support activities?

Some may think, “Oh, HIV is not going to affect me,” but it does. It’s very scary and it saddens me. That’s the motivation behind what I do and why I go to support groups — to show other HIV positive people, especially women, that there are people out there that aren’t HIV positive that are affected, do care and will fight along with them. That’s what I think is most important about being a caregiver, showing that you will support them, that they’re not in it alone.

What do you do to advocate for HIV? Where do you find support? Let us know your thoughts in a comment below!

To see PART 1 and PART 2 click here!