Don't Suffer in Silence

How would you react if you found out you were HIV positive?

Right now, you probably have all sorts of scenarios playing in your head. The African in you is screaming, “I’m not HIV positive in Jesus’ name.”

There are 36.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS globally and 30% of these people don’t even know their status.

If you’ve ever been to a clinic to get yourself tested, you may recall feeling overwhelmed with fear and anxiety before getting your results. This gives us a little insight into how people living with HIV feel when they first discover their status.
You are filled with so many emotions all at once – fear, shock, sadness, anger, uncertainty, even if you were expecting a positive result. You may have even considered suicide as an escape.

You may be reluctant to disclose your status to anyone because of the stigma that may come with the big reveal…and that’s understandable. You may need to take some time to process your new reality; some time alone to think about what your next steps are.

Taking time is fine, but confronting your situation head on is the most important step to take for your personal health, both physically and emotionally.

WHY SHOULD I SPEAK UP?

Revealing your status can be difficult. Yet, you shouldn’t have to deal with this alone.

Being silent is only going to deprive you of the help and treatment you deserve. Don’t underestimate your need for support. Disclosing your status would, to an extent, relieve you of that burden and improve your mental health. It’s totally up to you to decide who you want to share this information with, but it is worth thinking about having this discussion with people that you trust.

You may choose to be completely open about your status or you may decide to tell some specific people in your life depending on the kind of relationship you have with them. A lot of adjustments have to be made and you need unwavering love and care from the right people.

LIVING POSITIVELY

Contrary to popular opinion, an HIV diagnosis is not a death sentence. You can still live a happy and healthy life if you adhere to your medication and develop a positive attitude.

HIV shouldn’t stop you from reaching your life goals.

There are a few celebrities living positively and they are doing just fine. One of them is Charlie Sheen. The Two and a Half Men star went public his HIV diagnosis in 2015 and has become a major advocate for HIV information. He’s using his status to raise awareness and debunk the common misconceptions we have about the virus.

Yes, your life will change now that you are HIV positive, as you’ll need to take the right treatment to protect your health, but you can still lead a normal life and expect to live as long as someone who doesn’t have HIV.

WHERE CAN I GET HELP AND SUPPORT?

It is important to visit a healthcare centre and speak to a trained professional in order to get proper advice. Also, joining a support group could be something you find comfort in, by sharing your experiences with other people who have been in your shoes. You get the opportunity to meet people with similar experiences and hopefully this will help you realize that you are not alone.

If you are in Abuja or Lagos, you can visit any of these organisations or reach out to them via their helplines for support:

Society for Family Health
8, Port Harcourt Crescent, Justice Ifeyinwa Nzeako House, Area 11, Garki, Abuja
Phone number: +09 292 0235

National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)
Plot 823, Ralph Sodeinde Street, Central Business District, FCT Abuja
Phone number: 08091836222 or 6222

Foundation for the Alleviation of Illiteracy, Poverty and AIDS
1225, Bishop Oluwole street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Phone number: 08186023691, 08182131007

St. Nicholas Hospital
57, Campbell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
08035251295, 08022908484

If you live elsewhere, then follow this link for more information on where you can get advice and support, and make some positive steps to live your fullest life possible.

Always remember that isolation is never the solution. Regardless of our status, we all need help every now and then.
Don’t suffer in silence.
You are not alone.

This World AIDS Day, share your stories with us! For more information on HIV and the other topics covered by MTV Shuga, visit our dedicated Knowledge Page to find out more. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages to join the conversation and share your thoughts on #WorldAIDSDay2017