How to Cope with HIV Stigma?
Any discussion on efficient approaches to the epidemic brings up the persistent and harmful issue of HIV stigma.HIV stigma has a substantial negative impact on people’s social, family, and economic lives and makes it difficult for them to seek resources for prevention and treatment.
In the first twenty-five years of the epidemic, despite the widespread recognition of society’s and its institutions’ unfair treatment of persons living with HIV, local, national, and global actors have only had patchwork success in lessening the adverse effects of HIV stigma.
Due to their HIV status, People Living with HIV face significant obstacles like stigma and discrimination worldwide.
Stigma is characterized as a negative quality that helps denigrate the person who possesses it, leading to a loss of status and social rejection. Stigma, stereotyping, and discrimination towards HIV-positive individuals within families, communities, and healthcare facilities frequently manifest views toward the devalued attribute.
In what ways is HIV stigmatized?
A distinguishing attribute, such as a mental or physical health condition, can lead to stigma, an unfavorable attitude or prejudice. Stigmas can be self-inflicted, institutionalized, or imposed by another person or group, frequently resulting in discrimination against others who possess that trait.
Stigmas against people living with HIV originally began to appear in the 1980s, when the infection first contributed to the HIV and AIDS catastrophe in the United States. HIV misinformation led to widespread beliefs about individuals living with the disease, some of which are unfounded but were used to support discrimination and stigma.
What consequences result from HIV stigma?
The stigma and discrimination associated with HIV negatively impacts an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. It is common for HIV-positive individuals to develop a negative perception of themselves as a result of the stigma they experience. It is possible that they could feel prejudiced or treated unfavorably if their HIV status is known.
When people begin to develop negative attitudes and prejudices about persons living with HIV toward themselves, it is said to have internalized stigma. Internalized HIV stigma can cause guilt, disclosure anxiety, isolation, and pessimism.
What contributes to HIV stigma?
The stigma around HIV is a result of HIV-related fear. Images that initially surfaced in the 1980s are primarily responsible for what people know about HIV. There are still misunderstandings regarding the transmission of HIV and what it signifies to be HIV-positive in modern culture.
The reasons why people are afraid of contracting HIV are outdated beliefs, a lack of knowledge, and both. Many believe that a particular set of people can only acquire HIV. As a result, people with HIV develop negative perceptions of them.
Actions we may take to avoid the stigma
- Speak up if you observe, hear, or read remarks that are stigmatizing or harassing or inaccurate data.
- Support those who are more directly impacted by your compassion and actions.
- Stay away from stigmatizing those who are under quarantine. They are selecting well for their communities.
