--- Quote from: leatherman on August 25, 2023, 07:05:47 pm --- Newbies always need support to realize that it's 2023 HIV not 1994 HIV, and that they're not going to die. After that, they need to be pushed to realize that 2023 HIV is just a chronic manageable issue, not even a problem, for most. Then there are the people needing advice about dating, meds, adherence, insurance-y stuff, etc. Later on there's dating issues (still), trying to decide if your health issues are HIV or that you're just getting older. LOL But isn't that the whole point about taking meds? To get old enough to hurt, age, and then die in your 90s instead of dying in your 30s? And what do you know? This site is evolving and trying to find new ways to give the peer support people need. :D
--- End quote ---
This is why I admire you (and others) who put up with us "newbies" and our tirade of the same questions over and over. We do need support. My day of diagnosis was the darkest day of my life. I acknowledge we have it "good" compared to the long-termers and of course the ones who didn't make it, but getting my brain to accept that is difficult and it's a very real struggle. Thank you for recognizing this and always being this beacon of positivity, for lack of a better expression.
numbersguy82:
Hello! I just wanted to remind everyone here on this thread that we are about to have our 4th peer support meeting this coming Friday the 13th. Spooky date aside, we will be discussing mental health and navigating a positive outlook while coping with our diagnosis. I encourage everyone to participate as I myself have gotten a lot from attending these sessions. We feel more like family than merely attendees.
Please send me or @leatherman a PM with your email address to be added to the meeting invite.
Take care- Alan
BubbaPat:
--- Quote from: numbersguy82 on August 24, 2023, 06:41:43 am ---Would you attend if this forum offers a regular virtual support focused group??? In addition, we meet for a less formal virtual gathering regularly which tends to lean more towards socializing and fellowship, but still discusses medical and health topics.
--- End quote ---
Yes... I would attend. I'm not on the verge of anything crazy... it's just some days...it's a lot. In the past, I just stop taking meds figuring, why bother? They're expensive, sometimes I just forget, and sometimes, I just don't care. I've never thought of HIV as some horrible monster yet, it just feels like a weight dragging me down somedays when other things are piling up too and the HIV is the one that I can easily blame. I just want to feel like I'm not alone in theses ups and downs of feelings. In the mast, I sometimes will focus on other things to help distract and I've gotten attacked. I realize I'm ADHD and have been for years, I talk to much to mask my nervesnous, and I'm not super bright but because I'm energetic (thanks ADHD) and talk too much, people call me a know it all. I'm not. I just have opinions and I used to have friends where we discussed them, not attack each other for having them. We talked and made each other better. I've been a member here for years and sometimes have gotten a mixed bag. If there is a group that we can do a chat online or organise and in person meet... I'd be game.
Sorry to ramble.. ADHD kicked in and it's been an emotional day.. and it's only 2pm here.
Bubba hugs y'all.
Jim Allen:
Hiya.
I am sorry to hear that you are struggling and had a bad day. I hope things are better for you soon.
--- Quote ---Yes... I would attend. --- End quote ---
So there are two support calls: the bi-weekly support call: https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=77329.0 and the monthly gathering https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=77368.0
Best Jim
BubbaPat:
--- Quote from: Jim Allen on November 14, 2023, 03:31:34 pm ---I am sorry to hear that you are struggling and had a bad day. I hope things are better for you soon.
--- End quote ---
Thanks Jim. I know things aren't horrible.. just ups and downs. Started new ADHD meds and laughed when the pharmacist said I might have vivid dreams. Didn't have the heart to tell her I already have been having them. Don't ya love those dreams when you wake up remembering only bits and pieces but still thing WTF?