More than 1 million people in the USA have HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus; so you might know a friend or family member who's living with it. People can get the virus through unprotected sex or drug use to say the least. Adults as well as teens who have HIV may feel embarrassed and want to keep the issue very private. They might feel alone, isolated, and frightened at times, more than anything, they need good friends/family to lean on and trust. HIV can develop into a disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome known as AIDS, but not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS. If a friend or family member tells you he/she has HIV, it's a sign of trust and it's VERY important to reassure your friend that you will not break that trust by telling anyone else. Don't be afraid to ask your friend questions and if your friend doesn't feel like talking, don't push it!! Don't be afraid to ask how your friend is feeling or talk about what it's like to have HIV when its just you both in private. Pretending like nothing's happened won't make everything better what so ever, and avoiding the topic may lead your friend or family member to think you're ashamed of them. When in doubt or fear of not knowing what to ask, say or putting your foot in your mouth. Its better to just listen to your friend or family member until you have researched it further, so that you are a little more comfortable. However, whats most important is making sure they are comfortable first and foremost.
http://www.avert.org/hiv.htm
http://www.testcountry.org/when-a-friend-is-hiv-positive.htm
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ReplyDeleteI am sorry you feel so bad and I can surely identify with your feelings, it is very hard to find out that such a close friend has hidden a huge secret from you or lied to you like that.... However, there are certain things in life which is very hard for people to tell even to their very best friends, and it might take years for someone to confess things like that. HIV is just one of them.Me, I am gay and it took years before I felt comfortable enough to tell to some people. And there are a lot of other situations when a person feels ashamed or unsure who he can trust, they don't even know who really is their true friend. I'm sure your friend didn't tell you only because he/she was afraid to lose you and he decided to take a risk and see if you stick by him. If you feel you can't be on his/her side, than just let him/her know easy and try not to break his/her heart... If YOU feel that bad to find out about the disease, you can only IMAGINE how he/she must feel! I suggest you strongly to advice with people who know about HIV and how to deal with it and remain with your friend through fire and rain. The fact your friend told you makes it clear he thought you would understand and be there for him/her. Good luck! :)
A TRUE FRIEND DOESN’T TURN THEIR NOSE UP NOR LOOK DOWN ON ANOTHER FRIEND DURING DIFFICULT TIMES…REMEMBER YOU MIGHT JUST BE THAT SPECIAL FRIEND WHO CAN RESCUE THEM….AYISHA WALKER
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