You’re not immortal

by Mary Turner
HIV Health Columnist

It’s nearing the end of 2015, and people have just returned or are returning to school. That means football season, meeting new people, and wild and crazy fun times. It also means that some of you may be taking unnecessary risks with your health.

Times have changed a lot since HIV infections and AIDS hit the scene three and a half decades ago. Then, the stigma attached to being attracted to someone the same sex as you made living openly gay an invitation for violence from a less than tolerant society. Furthermore, the government would not fund ongoing research or providing treatment options for people who “deserved” to be punished for behaving badly.

Modern society no longer believes that HIV and AIDS is a gay plague cast on the earth to punish the ‘slutty gay man.’ (I said “modern” society). The disease no longer forces anyone to live in the shadows or any distasteful stigma or stereotype.

We’ve come a long way since those days, and most people infected by HIV can expect to live long productive lives. Members of the LGBTQ community have experienced great expansions in recognition and legal protections (there’s still work to be done) over the last several months, and many businesses now freely depict loving same-sex couples in their advertisements (everybody’s money is green).

Still, I have to ask, “WTF is wrong with some of you?!”

We know so much more about how to prevent this infection, yet you’re out there just acting like you’re immortal. You engage in risky behaviors that not only impact you, but potentially your loved ones as well. And you don’t want to get tested as if the old “ignorance is bliss” crap is really true.

Being HIV+ doesn’t have to end your life, but it can change it. I know that men can sometimes be hardheaded about going to a doctor, but if you are HIV+, or you may be, you need to make your personal physician one of your best friends. Your survival may depend on it. If you don’t have a doctor, or if your doctor lacks empathy for or an understanding of your needs, look for someone who will. There are doc finder services in most areas that can help connect you to the right kind of medical professional. Your doctor should be someone you trust enough to be truthful with and who will be truthful with you in return.

There are many treatment options out there, and it’s important to find one that is right for you. This may include traditional medical therapies, alternative therapies, or a combination of both. Because various drugs, foods, and supplements don’t necessarily play well together, having a doctor whom you trust becomes even more important.

Surround yourself with supportive people who can help lift you out of the funky moods you may periodically have. If you find yourself feeling really down and depressed a lot, seek professional counseling. Again, you want to find a therapist who is non-judgmental and who has some experience dealing with what you have going on. Maintaining a positive attitude will help keep you happy, which in turn will help keep you healthy. Stay well, my friends.

The Gayly – September 12, 2015 @ 10:40am.