How to Tell Family Members You Have AIDS

Many people who are diagnosed with HIV or AIDS try to keep it to themselves at first. It is your choice, but it can be tough to carry such a burden alone. Confiding in others who care about you can be beneficial both emotionally and in helping you to make plans concerning medical care, finances and the everyday logistics of living with your status.

Instructions

Prepare to Tell Family Members You Have AIDS

• 1

  Identify a case worker or counselor with whom you are comfortable at your HIV/AID clinic or social service center.

• 2

  Speak with this person about your family members and other loved ones and discuss who to tell, what to tell and how to tell them about your HIV or AIDS status.

• 3

  Anticipate the reactions, questions and concerns of family members before you speak to them. They may want to know how you contracted the AIDS virus, how you are handling important life decisions and whether anyone else in your circle is at risk. It is up to you to decide what information to share.

Tell Family Members You Have AIDS

• 4

  Tell your family members in a situation and in a way that is respectful of their privacy, their sensitivity and their right to respond in their own way.

• 5

  Accept the reactions of others. You can't control them. It is natural to expect that their reactions may change over time.

• 6

  Give your family members information to help them understand HIV and AIDS and the issues you face. This may include printed brochures as well as simple information about your treatment and prognosis.

• 7

  Explain that it is important to you to continue to make important decisions about your life and your medical care and ask your family members to support you in that effort.

• 8

  Let your loved ones know that you have other sources of support including a counselor or case worker, medical professionals and an HIV/AIDS support group. They may need to know that they will not be alone in supporting you.

• 9

  Introduce your family members to others who are providing support. By closing this gap and encouraging a connection among the people who care about you, you can make it easier for all of them to support you.