Living

The management of a chronic condition can be complex and often confusing. From constant self-observation to managing our condition - it’s not easy. Sometimes, we need some extra help when...

There are so many different feelings you may have about yourself when you live with HIV. But when you have all these emotions about HIV inside, sometimes, you can lose...

Once you have chosen an HIV specialist or an infectious disease (ID) doctor, you will have to become accustomed to routine appointments. In most cases, routine follow-up appointments start every...

It’s no secret that I get up before most people to get my day started with meditation and getting in a workout before getting ready for work. So, how do...

The role of a caregiver can become a challenging job, both emotionally and physically. Caregivers take on many responsibilities to support their loved ones. The better prepared you are in...

In the month of September, there are 2 national awareness days that we all should take the time to recognize and celebrate. The first one being National HIV/AIDS and Aging...

Over the last few months, as the world starts opening back up again, I have been able to take back ownership of my health and wellness. During these stressful times...

When I was first diagnosed in 1997, I was in counseling and I dealt with a lot of depression. I remember, a few years ago, a friend said to me...

While I am pretty good at being an advocate for other people, I am not always the best advocate for myself. Luckily, my sister surprised me when she became my...

A few years back, I read that if you fail to prepare, then you plan to fail. This could not ring more true when it comes to the subject of...

The Managing Treatment and Medication Survey is now closed. Thank you for your interest! Treatment is a big part of managing a chronic (long-term) health condition like HIV. Often, we...

When I think about a strong support system, the first thing that comes to my mind is my immediate family. My immediate family consists of my mother and two younger...

Sometimes I think to myself, "How am I able to feel positive about my HIV status?" Then I had to remind myself that it’s because I always knew the HIV...

I have long believed that everything in my life happens for a reason. I may not know that reason at that moment; often, the "a-ha" moment comes later in hindsight...

Sexual liberation automatically brings to mind the 1960s and 1970s counter-culture of "free love, sex, and drugs." It’s a freedom that gets romanticized over and over in movies and TV...

Negative thoughts. Anxiety. Fighting to love yourself. In my previous article, My Therapy Journey, I briefly touched on cognitive processing therapy. Cognitive processing therapy, or CPT, is a kind of...

Editor's note: Trigger warning - This article shares a personal experience of childhood sexual abuse. If you are an adult survivor, you are not alone. Visit the National Sexual Assault...

There are some who may not see me as an HIV long-term survivor when, in fact, that is what I am at a glorious 51 years of age. Long-term survivors...

To say that I had life more figured out than I did 2 months ago would be a lie. And it seems like I honestly have it less figured out...

It always seems easy at first. It’s as if men love me for the first 2 years with no restraints. Or maybe I turn a blind eye to the things...