![Mcclaine_0](https://www.hivplusmag.com/media-library/mcclaine-0.jpg?id=32675388&width=1200&height=1600)
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Isolation is a strong word, but I see a lot of it among my clients. One client, Julie, has a demanding job and an active social life, and she talks about how her anti-HIV meds are working so well that beingHIV-positive is 'not a big deal.' Another client, David, is unemployed and spends his time watching television or surfing the Net. Lately, he goes for days without talking to anyone. While Julie and David are quite different from each other, they have both found themselves in situations that are straining their coping abilities. Julie has started to date someone seriously and is not sure how to self-disclose. David is experiencing side effects from his medications and is embarrassed about his appearance. Don't think you need support? With advances in anti-HIV medications, my clients'both newly diagnosed and the long-term survivors'often insist that because they are able to manage their HIV as a chronic illness, they want their serostatus to be a nonissue in their lives. Some admit to even going to the extreme of avoiding contact with anyone else who is HIV-positive. This worked for both Julie and David, at least until life threw them a curveball that strained their ability to cope. They both came to realize, though, that their current support systems weren't up to the challenge. Who's watching your back? No matter how well you're doing, there are times when you may need to talk to someone with whom you can be totally open about what's going on in your life'not only the crises or the daily challenges but also the daily triumphs and other high points. Find someone who can listen without judging you, who can help you to get some perspective without trying to tell you what to do. And being a support for someone else can be not only rewarding but empowering as you recognize your own coping skills. Don't wait until you face a crisis. If you aren't connected with people either within or outside of the HIV community who can talk to you about living with the virus, I encourage you to get started by calling a local AIDS service or other social service organization (even try typing 'HIV support' into your Internet search engine). You'll discover national and local support groups, online discussion boards, telephone support, and counselors and therapists. But what's most important is that you'll find ways'and other people'to make connections through and for both fun and serious events that are sponsored or offered by such agencies. So dial a number. Double-click. Speak up. And reach out. McClain is a licensed counselor in New York City with a specialty in coping with chronic and life-threatening health conditions. His books include The Complete Idiot's Guide to Breaking Bad Habits and Empowering Your Life With Joy, and he is a frequent contributor to health-related publications.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM