Question

Will my family accept me if I start treatment?

7 September 2016. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Disclosure, Southern Africa, Starting treatment, Support.

I’m HIV positive since 2014 but I’m afraid to take the treatment because I’m afraid to tell my parents, because they will call me names. can I take the treatment on secret? And what about if they find out?

Answer

Answer: Muirgen Stack

Hi,

Thanks for getting in touch.

Have you told anyone else you are HIV positive? Do you have anyone outside of your family you can get support from? There are groups in South Africa who can help.

I’m sorry to hear that you are worried about what your family will think. However, like most families I am sure they care about you and your health. Taking HIV treatment is the best thing you can do stay healthy and then you can spend more time with them.  have you tried talking to them about being HIV positive at all yet? It might also help to bring up the topic of HIV with your family, and see how they react. This can give you an idea of how they will react when you tell them more.

The Terrence Higgins Trust has helpful tips about disclosure on their website.

However, It’s up to you to decide who to tell, and when. So if you don’t want to tell them that is OK. You can take HIV treatment in private and only your doctor will know. It’s important to not let this prevent you accessing treatment in the meantime as this is for you and you only to decide. Our guide on starting treatment has more information.