HIV Online Support Groups

HIV patients need a network of trustworthy individuals that they can turn to in times of stress and need. Sometimes, however, it is easier to speak to someone who isn't a close friend or relative, or someone who may be going through exactly the same thing. Online HIV support groups are a common and helpful way to anonymously relate your worries and troubles and get advice.

• Visit DailyStrength.org. This popular support network invites individuals to post in a forum or message board to discuss symptoms and concerns, or just to lend a few compassionate words. People can "Ask an Expert" if they have a medically-significant question. The website offers suggestions for treatment and serves as a connection between individuals with HIV all over the world. HIV is just one of the many support groups on the website, which include everything from "Allergies & Immunity" to "Children's Health & Parenting."

• Explore HIVAIDSTribe.com. This website allows people with HIV to create a profile and find others who are living with the same disease. The website provides educational information about the spread of AIDS and HIV. Once a member logs in, he can access and write his own blog, find events planned around the country and browse different support groups.

• Join thewellproject.org. This website is for women who test HIV-positive. Women can talk about their experiences, ask for advice and read about medical implications. This well-organized forum also provides access to the clinical treatment trials being conducted. It includes a section on how to maintain a high quality of life using exercise, nutrition and HIV therapies to reduce pain and discomfort.

• Visit the hivanonymous.com This website provides those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS with therapeutic coping strategies, including the 12 steps of acceptance. It provides links to websites that feature current HIV/AIDS news alerts or document real stories of survivors. You can attend a scheduled, anonymous online chat session, write on a bulletin board and set quality-of-life goals for yourself.

• Go to aidschat.org. This website creates a safe, positive space--within the span of several chat rooms--for people directly and indirectly affected by HIV or AIDS to discuss, ask questions and offer sympathy. Chat rooms exist for individuals that are HIV positive, as well as those who are HIV negative, but have questions. Some of these chat rooms are monitored to ensure a level of security and respect between those participating. This is a live online support group.