HIV Support Group

HIV (also known as human immunodeficiency virus, and formerly known as HTLV-III and lymphadenopathy-associated virus) is a retrovirus that primarily infects vital components of the human immune system which can lead the syndrome known as AIDS. Many of the problems faced by people infected with HIV result from failure of the immune system to protect from opportunistic...

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Infectious Diseases
/ HIV Support Group

What can I do?

hysmom
hysmom

My 20 year old son tested positive today. As a mother all I want to do is help in any way I can. He has shut himself up in his room and won't talk to anyone. He sufferes from depression and anxiety. Any suggestions would be helpful. Should I just back off and give him time to come to me? We live in different states. I'll be in town for a week. I just want to make sure he knows I love him and support him 110%. Any insight would be helpful. 


Thanks in advance,


Hysmom

Figo96
Figo96
Hey, im a 21 years old guy who just got diagnosed with HIV 2 weeks ago. My family has been very supportive, but they still give me some space if i feel like i want to be alone. What has helped me the most is to feel my family close, simple gestures like little messages or even a sandwich really cheer me up. One of my brothers got me a book called "the first year HIV" by Brett Grodeck, i have just a few chapters but it has been really helpful. Sometimes i felt that the only thing we talked about was my HIV so i think its important to talk about other things too...
director251
director251
Hi, I heard the lyrics of a song sometime ago that said in part "love will change the world..." Let your son know you love him, you support him, and that you are there for him. Let him know you dont plan to be one of those smothering parents, and that you will help anyway you can. Perhaps ask if he would like you to help him research things like a good, knowing, caring physician, a local support group or counselor, good nutrition, vitamins, or even do research to see whether there is assistance with medication costs and treatment. With strong loving support, he will work thru the stages of grief concerning the recent news that he is hiv+.
hysmom
hysmom
Thank you both so much for the insight. I have done just as you both suggested and he has opened up more. I allow him to guide our conversations and when I see he isn't in the best of moods I give him his space. Having forums such as this is so awesome. @figo96 my son felt the same way. Thanks again ... I will be purchasing the book for my son.
mes1424
mes1424
Hi hysmom, sorry to hear this about your Son. Looks like he's had a year to digest things as well as yourself. Caseworkers are provided to navigate the local assistance plans & medical providers. These highly skilled people have experienced every scenario regarding our diagnosis, & will help in any way they can. Behavioral, Financially, Medically & see it through month after month after month for years & years. Ryan White Funding created by the Clinton Administration helps us navigate all of life's hurdles as an HIV+ person in the USA as we encounter enough as it is living w/a Chronic Illness while juggling daily life tasks. They're priceless as we live our lives, they are composing everything that is needed to live as we do as an HIV+ humanbeing