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OF THOSE AROUND A HIV+ PERSON AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE PERSON
It is sad to hear that till today, in quite a few places, HIV+ persons are being treated as untouchables. They are ostracized by those around them. Some are thrown out from their homes in spite of the fact that HIV cannot spread through casual contact with the person.
A HIV+ person doesn't need to be sympathized, it just requires us to put a helping hand on his shoulder assuring him that he is still a part of us and thus helping him to live the rest of his life with that assurance and security.
A person who has just learnt that he has been tested positive goes through a few stages till he reaches the stage of ACCEPTANCE of his positive status.......
1. SHOCK - This is the first reaction of a person who has just been told of his positive status. He is shocked and is unable to believe what he has heard.
2. DENIAL - The person feels that what he has heard is not true. He denies his positive status. He doesn't compensate with the situation and goes in for tests after tests hoping to get a different result.
3. ANGER OR RAGE - Once the fact that he is HIV+ sets in the person, he notices the change in behavior of the people around him. It is here that he feels angry for he is ' different' from the rest of us. He is angered as he wants to be a part of the society where as he is being ostracized by the society itself.
4. ACCEPTANCE - After anger and rage the fact slowly sets into him and he begins to accept his status. It is during this time that a person needs to be supported so that he doesn't feel miserable and he'll be able to live the rest of his life with an assurance that he is not alone and that he still has his friends and dear ones near him.