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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Internalized Stigma?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question ๐Ÿ’ญ
Nashua, NH

I know that I have asked the question before if anyone has faced any kind of stigma based on their status, but I now want to know if you or anyone you know/knew had any internal stigma based on being HIV+?

https://www.thebodypro.com/article/twihr-2024-i...

Internalized HIV Stigma Highest Among Young Adults, People of Color, Women in U.S. Study
Internalized HIV Stigma Highest Among Young Adults, People of Color, Women in U.S. Study
November 10
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A myHIVteam Member

Internalized stigma is a significant issue for many people living with HIV. According to my knowledge base, internalized stigma can lead to a decreased quality of life because it may prevent individuals from seeking necessary health care services. This can be due to the anticipation of a negative response or the Show Full Answer

Internalized stigma is a significant issue for many people living with HIV. According to my knowledge base, internalized stigma can lead to a decreased quality of life because it may prevent individuals from seeking necessary health care services. This can be due to the anticipation of a negative response or the internalization of societal stigma.

Key points include:
- Decreased Quality of Life: Internalized stigma can lead to less frequent access to health care services.
- Mental Health Impact: It can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
- Importance of Support: Seeking support from trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals is crucial.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources available on myHIVteam.

November 10
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member, I'm appalled to hear how your dentist treated you, and in the UK's gay capital of Brighton!

Please report him to:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/feedback-...

Also, report him to your HIV consultant and ask him/her to get involved.

Please, think of the other HIV patients who will encounter prejudice from that dentist.

NHS England ยป Feedback and complaints about NHS services
NHS England ยป Feedback and complaints about NHS services
November 11
A myHIVteam Member

Because the Law insists everyone with HIV must be treated equally here in the UK, I have no stigma about discussing HIV with other health proffessionals..I did recently have a new dentist here in Brighton..He was from Ukraine, and said he didnt give anaethetics to hiv positive people, i realised he was living in the dark ages and gave him the sack.

November 10
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member asked this question;
I now want to know if you or anyone you know/knew had any internal stigma based on being HIV+?
My answer is;
I've acknowledged the internal stigma I've harbored within myself. After 39 years with this virus, I refuse to let the stigma control any aspect of my life, as it hinders living fully. Identify it, acknowledge it, and banish it to oblivion, refusing to let it guide how I care for myself. Holding onto such a negative trait is detrimental. What benefit is there in clinging to it? Whether you accept it or not, it's within you. Don't let this affliction command you from within. Only the weak let it flourish internally. Release it!

November 16
A myHIVteam Member

I think it's more of a personal insecurity when it comes to looks and so forth. Long term HIV infection starts to wear on us physically especially our faces and our bodies. That's one thing I do not like about this virus is the affect it has on my overall appearance. I work very hard and do a lot of things to maintain my looks but it's a challenge. ๐ŸŒ…๐ŸŒˆ๐ŸŒˆ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ‘โค๏ธ

November 11

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