Long Term Survivors: How do we cope with Social Isolation?

, I understand what you are talking about. Interacting with people who can't relate to the most essential thing in my life is a daily challenge. They don't have the memories or experiences that I have.


I find myself missing so many of my friends. And the few left seem to be drifting along in this state of reminiscing and melancholy.


One thing I've done is put myself in public spaces and find joy in watching other people interact. It lets me feel like I am part of something without being completely immersed.


Being a long-term survivor is tough, but we are here for each other.

Khafre Kujichagulia Abif, social isolation is something you yourself allow to happen to you. I am positiv for 32 years now and my health could not be better. I moved around Europe, Germany, Holland and the UK, at the moment I am living in Germany. I do not think it neccessary to tell everybody my HIV status, even my parents do not know. If I should have the need to talk to somebody I know how to access the support groups. I make sure to go to my regular check ups and I am taking my tablets. I take care of my health which everybody regardless should do. After 40 years I am back where I started off. I build up my social contacts, some I told and most I did not tell. It works for me, I could not be in a better place in my life at the moment. HIV is something you have to life with but it does not define you. If you need to talk contact me the same goes for Robert and anybody else. A good conversation goes a long way.

Hello Khafre, thank you for your awnser.I must apologize to you I did not really understood your post. Dead was never something I had to deal with. The very first one is my husband of 23 years, He died last year of pancreatic cancer. As sad at it is he fulfilled his purpose here on earth and it was time for him to go. The friends I have now are the ones I grew up with as a child. But I was away for 40 years and had no contact with any of them in all that time.
Also looking again for that special person in my life I do have to include HIV in my decisions. That is what I am busy with. I don't believe in a man made God but I am very spiritual. Everything happens for a reason we are here to learn and to give back. I must say life has so far always given me what I needed, It has always guided me in the right direction with surprising outcomes.

Yes