Question

Can counselling help my family cope with my HIV diagnosis?

14 December 2011. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term, Newly diagnosed.

Answer

Answer: Li Marhaban

Just as learning about HIV is new to you, it is likely to be even more difficult for your family. Hopefully, as they learn more, they will be able to come to terms with this, but this can be a slow process and it can take time.

You will have to be strong through this, and may have to be the main person that finds them information. But is your clinic or support group also offers counselling to family members then I am sure this will help too.

Counselling might also help yo if you have not used this yet. You would be able to gain and share experiences with others who are in the similar situation as you, rather than having to deal with it in isolation. Then as you get stronger your family will see that HIV can be just a small part of an active and fullfilling life.

Counselling can also help look at resolving specific problems, making decisions, coping with crisis, developing personal insight and knowledge, working through feelings of inner conflict or improving relationships with others. So for your family this could help them to come to term with your HIV status and also remove any fears and stigma about HIV.  Knowing the facts can help you to plan and managed your life more effectively.  Then you can make informed decision about your health and plan your future.

Counselling is to help people discover more effective ways of living with themselves and achieving what they need from life. It offers the opportunity to explore important issues in a safe and confidential environment. In listening without judgement, the counsellor supports the necessary process of self-discovery and understanding.

Having HIV may not be easy, especially when this is new, but with today’s drugs, HIV is a treatable and manageable infection for most people.  HIV treatment is one of the most effective treatment when compare to many others.  It can give you a near normal life expectancy and good quality of life.