He is HIV positive.

Philippines
August 31, 2011 2:26am CST
Indeed, its true my friend is a HIV positive. Its just 2 weeks ago since I found out when he confessed. I was so shocked and don't know what to do. He feel helpless and want to die. His family never knew about his condition. His symptoms his are killing him. My advice was not enough. What should I do? How can he deal with this?
1 person likes this
10 responses
• Philippines
31 Aug 11
First of all must have a close relative that must know abt his status ...either brother or sister but not yet on parents. it is really hard to make steps on to lend a help to a shocked person but you must pull him back to reality. Then after that must push him to go the the HIV+ center to be educated on the things he need to do...then at the HIV+ center he will see a support group and will find out he is not alone with that sickness and he will be teach on how to personally deal it and live as normal person.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 11
None of his relatives dont know about his status because he's not yet ready yet. He's afraid that his mother will disgrace him and aside from that her mother is sick. We already attend some support organization and he already took antiretroviral medications.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
1 Sep 11
thats the problem, his agony is he wants to deal his problem by himself. What I told you above is a true scenario. I have also a friend who is positive and he is now 2yrs from the time he knows about it. On the first month he was drinking everyday and crying. He lost hope and no more worth living. He was afraid what his family & friends will treat him after knowing that he was positive. But we as friend made a move to kol his brother and told the situation. We shown to him that eventhough he is positive nothin has change on our treatment to him. With that he was able to go to the HIV+ center. I know every individual is different behaviour. what we did might not or may work for him. but still its a matter of being there for him as a friend.
• Philippines
2 Sep 11
A real friend is not judgmental. A friend is someone to lean on and if someone needs you just call me and Ill be there. A text message I sent to him. To lessen his pain gradually.
• Philippines
31 Aug 11
oh, that is terrible. He needs your support. I know how hard it would be to be a friend of a HIV positive. You just have to spend time encouraging him not to feel totally lost in his life. As long as he lives, he should do something good and meaningful. Help would be appreciated by this infected friend.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 11
Up until now he's into denial. But our friends are here willing to extend our helping hand. He's bless because he has trustworthy friends.
1 person likes this
@Amanda81587 (3042)
• United States
31 Aug 11
There is really nothing he can do. I am sure maybe try to eat healthy and exercise so his HIV does not turn to AIDS. He needs to attend the doctors regularly and the doctor can help him through this. I would suggest some counseling for him to clear his mind. I can not imagine how he must feel! All that you can do is be a good friend to him because he truly needs it!
• Philippines
31 Aug 11
That's what Im doing now. To be a supportive friend. To remind him never to skip the medications and eat healthy kinds of food.
1 person likes this
• United States
31 Aug 11
That is being a very good person and it is definitely something that he needs right now. Just keep being there for him he will get through this and knows that he has people to be there for him when he needs it the most.
• Philippines
2 Sep 11
No matter what happened we will still be friends may you have HIV or not. Thats mark of a true friendship. Never leaves each other.
@marguicha (215470)
• Chile
31 Aug 11
There are many illness that possess a stygma or have possesed one in the past. Fortunatly, people are being more open now and tend to treat sick people as people with a problem. I have heard of many people who are HIV positive and are living normal lives. It depends on many factors, but now new meds help a lot. I think his family should know. Close family love their members whether they are healthy or sick. The acceptance of his family will do wonders for him, more than the fear of telling them.
@marguicha (215470)
• Chile
3 Sep 11
It is a pity that he does not trust the love and support that his family can give him. But then, not all families are the same and maybe he has reasons to act that way.
• Philippines
1 Sep 11
The fear of embarassment is what keeps him holding back and I can't force him either. We friends are here to support him and back him up.
• Philippines
3 Sep 11
I maybe dont know the real reason. But, time will heal the brokeh hearts.
@TrvlArrngr (4045)
• United States
31 Aug 11
He needs a support group to help him. People who are already living with the disease. They can help him with all the emotions and problems as they also go through it. I will pray for him. Very sad.
• Philippines
1 Sep 11
He already surrendered himself to God and ask for forgiveness. I know God listens through our heart and would never leave us. Thanks for praying to him. May God bless and your family.
@sjvg1976 (41131)
• Delhi, India
1 Sep 11
Hello JackieJensen08, Being HIV +ve does not mean end of the world.He has to get treatment so that he may not get AIDS which is incurable.He needs support of his family,friends and some one to take care of him mentally because if he won't be supported than this will eat him before AIDS catches him.
@sjvg1976 (41131)
• Delhi, India
1 Sep 11
Yes i know HIV +ve can be treated and a person who has it can live long with the help of medicines but i think AIDS is incurable.
• Philippines
1 Sep 11
Yap He is into medications right and do some counselling as well. HIV today can be treatable and can live a healthier lifestyle.
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
31 Aug 11
Oh bless you my friend. I know that this is hurting you and that you feel so helpless. I fear the only thing that you can do now is place your friend in God's hands and pray that a cure will be found quickly. I also believe that he should confide in his family. He will need them now more than ever.
• Philippines
1 Sep 11
He's not ready to face his family as for the moment. But time will come he really needs to tell the truth. Please do pray for my friend for his fast recovery.
@irene66 (1669)
• Philippines
31 Aug 11
It is really very alarming HIV infection is on the rise. At this early stage, it is important to give him all the support he needs. Maybe you can have outing together somewhere you can discuss how he can make his life productive. He can still live a productive life if he is willing enough to do so.
• Philippines
31 Aug 11
HI there Irene. HIV is rampant today and mostly men are being victimized. I do encourage her to never lose hope and always pray to GOd. That his friends and family are still there to give support, love and guidance.
@koperty3 (1876)
31 Aug 11
Ending of life is not good solution. He needs to deal with it and accept it. There are some supports groups in every country. I@m sure there are in yours. Medicine made progress and there are so good medicines on the market which can prolong his life and make progress of illness a little slower. I knew some people with hiv and they did really good. First step is accepting illness and latter treatment and being positive helps also. Don't leave him now. He needs support and good care.
• Philippines
1 Sep 11
Attending a support groups really helps. I also met people like him of had the same disease. At first, they dont want to divulge it to their family because of embarassment but later on they manage to accept the fact and it makes their life much closer.
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
31 Aug 11
That is a hard thing do deal with for both of you. Does his family know now? Somehow you both have to give it a place, the only thing I can advice is find as much support as you can find! I really hope you both will find/get that and this will make it a bit easier. I wish both of you strengh and love
• Philippines
1 Sep 11
His family dont know about his situation. Upon knowing he was also immediately terminated with his previous employer. Its really sad that due process was not serve. But me and most of our friends do support, cared and most of all accept him.