D
D – Disclosure
Once you learn that you are HIV positive, revealing results can be very daunting and can lead to discrimination and stigma. It is vital to offload to those that you trust so that you begin to adjust to your diagnosis and work towards personal acceptance. Disclosure is all about seeking a support structure which you can draw from when in need. Disclose to your partner/spouse and family members. Your support base can help you come to terms with HIV.
- Disclose only on a limited basis to (support structures like a partner, spouse, family members and close relationships) to promote positive prevention.
- Encourage shared confidentiality with family, loved ones, caregivers and trusted friends.
- Seek ongoing counseling to assist you to deal with the shock, trauma, hurt, disappointment and anger that you are infected.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on safer sex and risk reduction.
- Motivate others to go for testing.
The benefits of disclosing is that you are able to link up with someone you can communicate, share and relay what you are going through without being judged. This is also a good starting point for taking the lead in driving awareness about HIV and HIV Prevention.
Once you learn that you are HIV positive, revealing results can be very daunting and can lead to discrimination and stigma. It is vital to offload to those that you trust so that you begin to adjust to your diagnosis and work towards personal acceptance. Disclosure is all about seeking a support structure which you can draw from when in need. Disclose to your partner/spouse and family members. Your support base can help you come to terms with HIV.
- Disclose only on a limited basis to (support structures like a partner, spouse, family members and close relationships) to promote positive prevention.
- Encourage shared confidentiality with family, loved ones, caregivers and trusted friends.
- Seek ongoing counseling to assist you to deal with the shock, trauma, hurt, disappointment and anger that you are infected.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on safer sex and risk reduction.
- Motivate others to go for testing.
The benefits of disclosing is that you are able to link up with someone you can communicate, share and relay what you are going through without being judged. This is also a good starting point for taking the lead in driving awareness about HIV and HIV Prevention.
