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knowledge of HIV itself will also help to inform appropriate use of language in ways that reflect a compassionate understanding that will put those living with HIV at ease.
Helpful advice for those wanting to specialize in this treatment area
For those who feel called to make a career in this sector, we suggest getting involved! Volunteer, contact your local AIDS service organization and inquire about different ways you might get involved. This provides the opportunity to explore this career path as well as familiarize yourself with the nuances of the field and connecting with individuals directly impacted by HIV. In this sector, it is exceptionally important to root your work in a comprehensive understanding of trauma, grief and to possess a fierce commitment to anti-oppressive practices. We also suggest grounding your work
in GIPA/MIPA principles (UNAIDS, 2007), which is the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA) and Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV (MIPA). People are the experts in and of their own lives and it is important to honor the inner knowledge people hold. This mutual respect and acknowledgement is a huge component of celebrating the diversity and resilience of people in our communities. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with welcoming resources and remain connected with your community. We can better support people when we work together, and by building connections with other community agencies, you are able to provide better care for those with whom you work.
In recent years there have been many exciting advancements in HIV treatment such as Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP; CDC, 2016). This opens the door for
new and innovative ways to negotiate safer sex and continue to breaking
down stigma surrounding HIV. We
are also seeing those living with HIV living longer, healthier lives. We can celebrate these successes, however we still have much work to do regarding ensuring affordable drug coverage for HIV-related medications (including PrEP), decriminalization of HIV and the social determinants of health. Another emerging issue is that, because of shifting attitudes and treatment options, about
half of new diagnoses are among younger individuals, and though we are making headway this needs to be addressed in order to effectively curb the epidemic.
Common misperceptions
Some mental health professionals may view HIV as a presenting concern, but living with it is merely a component—not the only aspect—of one’s experience. That being said, impacts of living with HIV and the stigma associated can affect many other aspects of an individual’s life. Many mental health professionals are not current on topics related to HIV transmission, treatment and health outcomes which can, even unknowingly, perpetuate stigma.
Another common misconception is
that HIV only affects certain people or populations. These thoughts are rooted in systems of oppression including, but not limited to, racism, colonialism, classism, transphobia and homophobia. We
have to challenge these misconceptions and actively work towards educating ourselves and our organizations.
Reflection is an important step
in growing as a person and as a professional. Take the time to consider who is accessing your services, but more importantly, who are you missing? Is your practice and clientele base as diverse as your community? Are people able to access your services who might be in need? If the answer is no, then focus on how you can break down the barriers people are facing and help get them through the door!
Jasper Smith is
a sexual health educator at HIV/ AIDS Resources and Community Health (ARCH) and program coordinator for Trans Support Group.
Sarah Wilmer, MPH, is Women’s Community development coordinator at HIV/ AIDS Resources and Community Health (ARCH).
References
Centers for Disease Control (CDC). (2010). National intimate partner and sexual violence survey (NISVS). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nisvs.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC). (2016). Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/prep.
Lopez, E. J., Jones, D. L., Villar-Loubet, O. M., Arheart, K. L., & Weiss, S. M. (2010). Violence, coping, and consistent medication adherence in HIV-positive couples. AIDS Education and Prevention, 22(1), 61-68.
Maman, S., Campbell, J., Sweat, M. D., & Gielen, A. C. (2000). The intersections of HIV and violence: Directions for future research and interventions. Social Science & Medicine, 50(4), 459-478.
Stephenson, R., Rentsch, C., Salazar, L. F., & Sullivan, P. S. (2011). Dyadic characteristics and intimate partner violence among men who have sex with men. Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, 12(3), 324-332.
UNAIDS. (2007). The greater involvement of people living with HIV (GIPA). Retrieved from http://data.unaids.org/pub/ BriefingNote/2007/jc1299_policy_brief_gipa.pdf.
Self-care: Self-care looks quite different for each individual, however a few tips we have found to be helpful are:
Recognize emotional weight of this work; check in often with colleagues and connect with other HIV-related organizations.
Celebrate the little victories with people you support and with your colleagues!
Set boundaries; this work can be all-encompassing, so know your limits and hold yourself to them.
Promote a culture of self-care. Make it explicitly known that this is valued in your organization and focus on preventative self-care vs. symptomatic self-care.
Hold each other accountable to self-care commitments and boundaries.
Give yourself time to grieve and become familiar with the grieving process as it relates to those living with HIV. HIV has a long legacy of taking loved ones far too soon. Though the nature of the work can often be fast paced, it’s important to give yourself time to work through that grief.
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