Impact of HIV Stigma on Gay Men’s Mental Health

HIV is no longer a death sentence

Since the discovery of HIV in the 1980s, stigma has always been attached to the illness. Increasing reports of AIDS-related deaths have supplemented fear among people. Consequently, these public health concerns can worsen the impact of HIV stigma on gay men’s mental health which can be more concerning. 

But little do people know that HIV is now a manageable disease. Some even comment that it’s better to get HIV than to get diabetes because HIV is treated more easily. Yet, despite this, the stigma surrounding HIV remains unstoppably rooted in society— like a car losing its brake. 

For gay men, the weight of stigma is heavier. From unsolved traumas, societal or family rejection, and identity crises, gay men have always been confronted with emotional distress. To many, the fear of judgment, discrimination, and isolation impedes the process of treatment and emotional healing. Often suggesting an idea “Is HIV the killer virus or is it the stigma that’s killing us from within?”

Let’s uncover the impact of stigma on gay men’s mental health and the best practices to achieve recovery with Q Space Detox.

How Stigma Manifests 

HIV stigma shows up in different ways. It may come from society, close relationships, or even from within.

Similar to other forms of stigma, HIV stigma also comes in different ways. 

• Social Rejection: Many gay men with HIV struggle with rejection both personally and professionally. This stems from a lack of education about the nature of HIV, the mode of transmission, and development in treatment. In some cases, gay men with HIV experience unjust treatment in their workplaces. 
• Discrimination: Some healthcare providers still show a negative attitude towards HIV-positive individuals. For example, dental clinics reject HIV-positive people due to the danger of dental procedures to succeeding patients. Although, HIV rights advocates have highlighted that PLHIV (Person/s living with HIV) has the rights to all medical and dental procedures equal to non-hiv individuals. This unequal treatment causes delays in the treatment of underlying medical or dental illnesses.
  
• Eviction: A form of social rejection stemming from a lack of knowledge about HIV. This is prevalent in owner-tenant relationships and family.
  
• Internalized Shame: Stigma is not always external. Internal shame or stigma happens when an HIV-positive person struggles to accept their diagnosis and is undeserving of love or happiness. 
  

Mental Health Consequences 

HIV stigma has lasting effects on someone’s mental health. Some even take their whole life to accept their status. It causes various mental and emotional struggles that HIV-positive individuals commonly share. The constant fear of being judged or outed often results in chronic stress. Consequently, to avoid stigma, HIV-positive people cut ties from their relationships or evade joining social events. These heartbreaking struggles are what make HIV hard to accept, much harder than the daily dose of  ART pills. 

Impact on Relationships

The scope of HIV stigma does not only end with social rejection and discrimination, it also ruins relationships—dating and intimacy. Both the fear of being alone and the fear of rejection contribute to the hesitation of some gay men to share their status. Well, who wouldn’t want to be loved? Lots of gay couples end their relationships after status confession— leaving the HIV-positive gay man questioning his rights for love. The fear of disclosure is an emotional barrier preventing people from building harmonious connections. 

Barriers to Support and Care

HIV stigma has more disastrous effects than most people may not probably imagine. For instance, stigma prevents people from seeking medical support and guidance such as testing. With the latency of HIV, one would not know their status until testing is administered because it is asymptomatic for a long period. Hence, a gay man who is unaware of their status may infect other people creating a domino-chain effect in the long run. Consequently, the HIV epidemic continues to rise in unceasing numbers due to two main reasons: fear of social discrimination; and fear of knowing one’s positive diagnosis.

Healing Through Support

Breaking the HIV stigma is key to reducing this epidemic, and support is essential to doing this. Q Space proposes getting support through :

• Therapy: Therapy sessions can reduce the fear of stigma to a minimum level. Q Space Detox is home to competent mental health professionals trained to help you deal with and process any emotional issues associated with HIV and HIV stigma. Using our trauma-informed therapy programs, we ensure holistic recovery and long-term healing.
• Peer Support Groups: Joining groups such as communities of HIV-positive individuals, HIV advocate groups, or going to safe spaces can be greatly helpful. This not only expands your networks but also reduces loneliness and builds confidence. In addition, these are also good venues for you to get treatment insights and learn how to stay healthy despite your positive diagnosis. 
• Education & Advocacy: HIV education should be a top priority today. Learning more about HIV and passing the knowledge to others can turn negative perceptions into positive gestures of love and acceptance. Q Space Detox partners with TranspireHelp to extend HIV education and advocacy, hoping to arrive at a stigma-free society in the future. 
• Practice safe sex: Transmission of STIs such as HIV can be reduced to 99% through the effective use of condoms and proper lubrication. 
• Regular HIV testing: Whether or not you’re sexually active, regular HIV testing is necessary. As advised, testing should be done quarterly or every 3 months. Come and visit Q Space Detox for safe and judgment-free HIV testing. Our trained therapists and nurses can assist you from pre-testing to post-testing counseling.

Help is Reachable

As an LGBTQ-focused rehab center, we understand your struggles and we’re willing to turn those into inspiring stories in the future. Our judgment-free space is where you can find joy, resilience, and pride. At Q Space Detox, we will lift you up with a transformed heart. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait. Call Q Space Detox today at 1-305-501-1007. You deserve care, understanding, and a community that supports your journey to wellness.