Receiving a new HIV diagnosis can be distressing. Everyone reacts to the diagnosis in their own way.
Meridian team members can support you with this new diagnosis and meet you where you are at with your journey.
Genesis
Our Genesis program helps gay and bisexual men who have recently received an HIV diagnosis or feel ready to start talking about it. It provides a series of one-on-one sessions with another person living with HIV, so you can hear from a person with lived experience and benefit from shared knowledge in a safe, confidential and supportive environment.
Genesis gives people the opportunity to:
- understand the impact of HIV on your health, sex life and relationships
- work out who to tell about your status and when to tell them
- take charge of your own health care
- understand how HIV and treatments work.
Program
Genesis runs as a series of one-on-one sessions (1.5 hours each) with another HIV positive person. These topics can be done in order, or the conversation can range freely across them:
Session 1: HIV and treatments
A presentation that will help you to understand HIV and its lifecycle, with current information on the latest in HIV therapy treatments, the classifications of drugs and discussion about side effects.
Session 2: Sexual pleasure and risk
Negotiating how to get the most out of your sex life as a positive person, understanding safer sex and STIs, and how to confidently approach sex, dating and relationships.
Session 3: Disclosure
Legal issues around disclosing HIV status in various circumstances, with discussion on how and when to talk about HIV in personal situations.
Session 4: Stigma and resilience
Recognising that stigma exists and exploring strategies to reduce its impact on your life, so you can develop ways to manage negative attitudes and behaviours from others.
Session 5: Living Positive
HIV and You: looking to the future of living a long healthy life with HIV with information on tapping in to supports and services available to you and meeting other people living with HIV.
For more information about Genesis, call (02) 6257 2855 and ask to speak to one of our HIV Peer Support officers.
Finding support
Your loved ones can be your greatest supports when processing an HIV diagnosis. However, sometimes you may need a support person outside of your personal life.
Meridian offers professional and free counselling for people living with HIV.
Disclosure
Disclosing your HIV status can be a challenge when deciding who you should tell and when. While it’s challenging, telling a few people can be freeing and help you to build stronger relationships.
For more information about deciding to disclose, visit the New diagnosis course by the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA).
Choosing a doctor
Many people find that having a doctor they trust and feel comfortable with is an important part of living well with HIV. If your regular GP doesn’t have experience in HIV care or you don’t feel comfortable discussing your HIV status with them, you may choose to see a doctor who specialised in HIV medicine.
Meridian can support you by providing a list of doctors and practices in the Canberra region who specialise in HIV care.
Treatment
HIV treatment has greatly improved since the beginning of the HIV epidemic and it continues to improve today.
Studies confirm that starting HIV treatment early has many benefits. There are a variety of effective treatments available that are easy to take and will improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Taking treatment is a personal decision; to discuss this further you can call (02) 6257 2855 and ask to speak to one of our HIV Peer Support officers.