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Some cancers are caused by viruses but it isn't much talked about. Instead the word cancer is used and there is pure sympathy. But if HIV is talked about, or hep b, hep c, etc, or any STD/I then people fear and some even stigmatise. The people who stigmatise others are sick in their heads and hearts. Any of us could get HIV, hep b, hep c, any STD/I, or anything currently labelled as cancer.
I am a 66 yr. old female who lives in a small town in Northern Wyoming. I have no support group and Public Health doesn't care whether I live or die. They don't know anything about Ryan White. I have a few friends but most people act like I'm dracula. I've even heard them whisper to be sure and wash their hands if they touch me. I need help. I can feel my mental help crumbling. My calcium is getting worse due to the drugs I've been given for 10 years and the doctors know! Help!
I don't see much....never have really...any stigma towards myself. I think part of it comes from how one faces the situation. I really don't care what others might think. I live in a small town, have done a prevention and awareness presentation at the high school. many friends and neighbors are aware and if anyone has a problem I don't know....or care...about that. Prior to this I lived near Philly and was on the HIV Commission. Didn't have issues there either. Attitude.is key.
Would definitely like to know more about this. I’m a married 60 year old with a recent infection. I’m 3 weeks into treatment, I’m having insurance issues, Stanford Medical is horrible when it comes to communication and I have told no one of my situation because I fear losing my wife & my friends. I feel like I’m a prime candidate lose my marbles in the coming years.
Short term memory loss is something that I can relate to. I'm 67 and been positive since 1984. Staying focused appears to be another part of the problem. I don't know what to do and would like to know.
I work in HIV services, coordinating a support and educational group for MSM. Most days I feel like helping these men (and myself, for that matter) to find healing from the trauma caused by stigma is my biggest job. It would be very valuable to know if efforts to re-engage the most-impacted have any effect in reversing the cognitive dysfunction this study reports. I hope work to answer that question begins soon.
RichardUK
Any type of stigma or prejudice will effect mental health and cognition of those targeted by it, and self esteem, too. The aim of bigots is always to belittle and damage. Its the same as bullying in general. Do we need studies to prove this? I don't, but I guess that such studies are needed to get the ignorant and prejudiced to look beyond their nasty outlooks.
December 17, 2018 • UK