Being HIV antibody positive.

Written by a man with human immunodeficiency disease (HIV) this article focuses on the psychosocial aspects of this diagnosis. Too often the stigmatized public image of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) the belief that people with AIDS and HIV are to blame for their disease and physician sensitivity combine to undermine the self-esteem of infected persons. Those with HIV disease are given widely varying statistics regarding their probability of developing AIDS intensifying their loss of control over their lives. Young HIV victims who may be accustomed to being independent and self-reliant must face the prospect of becoming too ill or incapacitated to care for themselves. Changes in sexual behavior necessary to protect ones own health and the health of other people often precipitate a loss of a sense of belonging and identity. For the author a beneficial experience was participation in a support group for people who were HIV antibody positive. This group provided a safe environment in which to talk openly and honestly about the losses--of relationships security freedom to choose ones life-style--associated with the HIV diagnosis. Also helpful to the author was direct expression rather than concealment of intense emotions such as anger. Concealment only aggravates the isolation and loss of control experienced by HIV and AIDS patients. Ironically the authors HIV diagnosis has forced a reassessment of his values and relationships that has actually enhanced the quality of his life. It is essential that physicians share with their patients a concept of health that goes beyond mere longevity.