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text 2020-12-17 09:14

Source Financial Assistance for Your Non-Profitable Organisation

There are only a few non-profitable organizations in this world that are working towards raising awareness about HIV stigma. There are only a few organizations that are helping the victims of HIV so that they can also live a normal life. And there are only a few organizations that are making this world a better place for HIV affected people and their families. So, if you are working in any such organization, we are proud of you. And we also want you to know that you have won the hearts of so many people.

But it is also true that winning the hearts of many people is not helping the organization financially. Also, the companies that used to provide funding opportunities to such non-profitable organizations have also reduced. This thing is creating a profile because now, no proper events and other things can be organized. Click here to know more.

However, you don’t have to feel bad. Why, you might ask? It’s because there are different ways that you can follow to accomplish your dreams. If you truly want to help the people and reduce HIV stigma so that everyone can live happily, we have found the best possible way for you to get funds. Yes, you have read that absolutely right.

You will be glad to know that there are several corporate firms like biopharmaceutical companies that are helping non-profit organizations to do something better. These companies are not just manufacturing effective medicines but are also trying to help financially. You can do a quick and can find a few such companies that have gained a good reputation in the market for offering financial funding opportunities. However, if you couldn’t find any such company, do not lose hope because Gilead COMPASS Initiative® has got your back. Visit here to know more.

It is an initiative of kindness that was started with an aim to do HIV stigma reduction. This amazing initiative has a 10-year, $100 million commitment and it has helped so many people till now.

The best thing about this initiative is that it not just offer financial support but also helps in capacity building and shared knowledge, trauma care, mental well-being, substance abuse, and more. So, if you are interested in working with Gilead COMPASS Initiative®, all you have to do is check its website.

About Gilead COMPASS Initiative®:

Gilead COMPASS Initiative® is a trusted organization that can help you with HIV stigma reduction.

For more details, https://www.gileadcompass.com/

Original Reference : https://bit.ly/37ntsdg

hiv stigma

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text 2020-12-17 07:38

Six Forms of Stigma HIV Poses on Affected Individuals and Families

Gilead COMPASS Initiative®

HIV/AIDS has been declared a global epidemic by the World Health Organization. The number of cases has increased significantly affecting numerous people and families around the world. Though the patients suffer from the symptoms and conditions inflicted by the virus, they also have to face a lot of stigma HIV poses in their everyday lives. Let’s take a look into different forms of stigma posed by this disease to get a better understanding.

· Governmental Stigma: Several countries around the world have specific legislation in place that tends to discriminate against HIV/AIDS affected people. Several governments around the world do little to nothing to protect the rights of affected people and families.

· Self-Stigma: This is also known as the individualized stigma that affects the mental health of the affected person. This can cause the person to isolate, feel shame, and stay silent towards the suffering.

· Healthcare Stigma: This is one of the biggest forms of stigma that prevents the infected or affected individual to seek treatment and medicines. It has been observed that healthcare workers tend to limit their contact, medical care, or deny treatment to HIV patients. There have been reported cases where healthcare workers have violated a patient’s privacy and confidentiality.

· Travel Bans: Several countries around the world have imposed a travel ban on people affected by HIV. Click here to read more about this.

· Community Stigma: Affected people have to leave their homes and families because of the discrimination imposed by the community and family members.

· Employment Stigma: There have been cases where an individual was denied a job or removed from the position due to the diagnosis.

To reduce these different forms of stigma, Gilead COMPASS Initiative® has been actively working with individuals, communities, and non-profit organizations.

Started by Gilead Sciences, Inc., this initiative is the first step towards combating different types of the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. The initiative is a 10-year, $100 million commitment made by this biopharmaceutical company. The initiative is specifically focused on reducing the stigma faced by African Americans HIV - affected families and individuals in Southern USA. The initiative provides training and corporate funding to non-profit organizations. With its three COMPASS coordinating centers, Gilead COMPASS Initiative® is a major step in this direction.

About Gilead COMPASS Initiative®:

Gilead COMPASS Initiative® is an HIV Gilead resource that is directed towards combating stigma associated with the disease.

For more information, visit https://www.gileadcompass.com/

Original Reference : https://bit.ly/3ntylXJ

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text 2018-10-28 00:12

You're cool. You do you and I will do me...

Leigha's Little Library

A lot of blogs might not be book related, just life isn't all books. I know, shocking!

I can't walk or stand for very long, chronic pain bites! I can't fully participate at events or go "adventuring" I can't just up and go somewhere, unless I know for sure they will have places I can sit and rest. This really mentally wears you down. I feel like a child and that everyone has to take care of me and do things for me, but on the other hand, I feel like a really old person, having to use a scooter or a cane (which the cane isn't helping as much, so I might have to "upgrade" to a walker thingamabob) I am limited. I feel limited. It has really isolated me; I don't get out. I fall deeper into depression and bad habits, because depression and chronic pain sucks and some days...I wanna give up.

"You're fat, that is why you're in pain, that is why after standing and walking, your spine compresses and you have to sit down or fall down..." Oh SHUT UP! I am hardly a cursing person, but I want to shove a big F-YOU down the throat of anyone who says or thinks this about someone with depression or chronic pain. Including myself! We can be our own worst enemy.

"You don't have a job. You're lazy!" Hah! That shows what you know. My job is being alive. If you think about it, I'm pretty good at it. I've got a 100% attendance record!

"You play with crystals, meditate, believe in the unbelievable (supernatural, fairies, witchcraft (oh la la), and the list goes on) you must be a devil worshiper!" Believe what you want, but if liking crystals, mediating and the like mean I love the devil, then by all means, awesome... (It doesn't mean that, but still...) These practices a lot of people toss their nose up to actually HELP me when I open my mind to them and believe. Nothing is a cure all, but I've been managing my "glitches" and feeling mentally better than usual ever since I started to believe in the healing properties of crystals, meditation and casting a spell. (It isn't like Harry Potter, for goodness sakes. It is the power of belief/of manifestation, like making a wish before blowing out a birthday candle.)

"You're cool. You do you and I will do me. I'll still love you even if we have different beliefs." Aww, thanks. That is what we should be saying to each other. <3

I love you all. Blessed Be!

Life Witchcraft mental health stigma alive run for the hills not looking for pity

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text 2018-10-15 15:47

I'm more than a fat person

Leigha's Little Library

Not book related, but sometimes life isn't all about books. I know, shocker!

When I talk about my mental health or chronic pain (etc) I am not whining, complaining or looking for pity. Hey, I know it can sound like whining, but if I don’t write about it, I wouldn’t have a healthy outlet. I’ve got to share this with people, because I know that there are people going through similar and we need to know we are not alone. Invisible conditions have such a stigma.

A stigma we should have never had. Why is it so shocking that a person can be ill or in pain, but look "normal" on the outside? What is normal anyway? Why is it just a weight problem when a heavyset person has to use mobile assistance, is in pain all the time and depressed? Believe it or not... fat people are allowed to be treated as more than a fat person. Not every condition is caused by excess weight. I’ve heard horror stories of fat people trying to get help, but sent away because “oh, honey, you just need to lose weight.”

I will fully admit that I know my weight doesn't help my problems, but my weight isn't the cause. It is a vicious cycle. Can't move because of pain, more pain because can't move. It is just...I wake up every day… day starts with a migraine. My joints need extra waking up time before I can move around. If you started every day with a migraine, or even a horrible headache, I’m sure that wouldn’t set the mood for a good day!

Sure, let me pop in a workout dvd… no, let me crawl under the bed away from sounds and light. Sounds like excuses, huh? It is really not. Then we got my lovely friend executive dysfunction, depression and body parts coming and going whenever they feel like it. Sudden sharp pains, hip, back, knee deciding to “pop” out for a little fun. (Spoiler: not really fun.)

Put yourself in my shoes and then ask why don’t I just workout… You try and be active when you are in pain everyday, depressed every day, and you are so much an empath that even hearing about a complete stranger having a bad day could set you off into an emotional mess.

I don't want you to feel sorry for me and I am sure a lot of people in similar boats feel the same way, though I can't speak for them. I'm happy if you offer to think about me or pray for me, but whatever you do...don't tell me to try yoga! I actually love yoga, but it isn’t a magical cure for anything. I’m sure it really helps when you can get to the point of actually being able to do it.

I’m not stupid. I know any activity is helpful. Tell that to my mind and body.

Pro Tip: Other things not to tell someone with invisible conditions

1. You don’t look sick [Sorry, I forgot to wear my "I am sick" shirt.]

2. You’re too young to be sick [What is the correct age for sickness, so I can tell my problems to hold off until then?]

3. Everyone gets tired [Of course, getting tired is normal, but not when it is 24/7]

4. You’re just having a bad day [I'm sure tomorrow all my issues will be cleared up! Thanks for your help.]

5. It must be nice not having to go to work/school [It is so nice to be in crippling pain... you're right! Lucky me.]

6. You need to get more exercise [And my chronic pain and depression will just "poof" away? Why didn't you tell me this sooner!?]

7. I wish I had time to take a nap [It isn't all it is cracked up to be when all you do is feel tired or sleep.. I wish I had "time" to do a lot of things, too.]

8. Think positive [And I will be fixed? Cool!]

9. Just push through it [I do that every day... because I am alive.]

10. It will get better, just be patient [How much more patient can a person be? When will it get better? Can you give me an exact date?]

11. Have you tried (insert your wacky ideas) [Oh, cool, and that will cure me?]

12. You should stop (insert things you judge me for) [So if I stop drinking loads of coffee, eating chocolate and reading children books, I will be fixed?]

13. It’s all in your head [WOW! You are SO smart!!]

14. You need to get out more [So...weekly trips to Wal-mart isn't enough?]

15. You take too many medications [You mean the medication that I need to be alive/gives me relief... okay, I will stop and see what happens!]

16. You should go to church [You mean...my cure has been there all along? The witch doctors lied to me! Ooo eee, ooo ah ah! Ting tang, walla walla, bing bang!]

Something you could say to a person instead of all these is a simple "I believe you. Is there anything I can do for you right now?"

mental health pain Sick stigma Hurt illness chronic pain

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text 2018-08-06 11:57

I'm Not Okay

Leigha's Little Library

Not book related <.< sorry.

TW: Mental Health & Suicide

Disclaimer: **I am not diagnosed (as an adult) for my mental health disorder(s), but I don’t need a doctor to write on paper to tell me I have depression & social anxiety/general anxiety. I don't deny that it would be helpful to know my exact disorders so I could get treatment/therapy, however, we have no insurance yet.(soon! crossing fingers) As a child I was put on antidepressants, so I was diagnosed with something at one point. These are my thoughts and opinions on mental health, and my own personal experiences. Everyone’s mental health journeys are different. End the stigma! Talk about mental health disorders and invisible illnesses!**

---

The nitty gritty about having a mental health disorder is that it can be so up in the air. I never know if a day will be good or bad. I guess you get so used to the feeling of sadness, random outburst of crying and dark thoughts, that it feels normal, and you don’t notice it get gradually worse. When you are buried so deep, you don’t care about taking care of yourself, so you are in a vicious cycle that is hard to break out of. You stop taking care of your hygiene, stop caring about eating enough or sleeping enough. Or maybe you eat too much (binge) and sleep too much, or maybe you don't sleep enough! Executive dysfunction doesn’t help, of course.

I think my normal state of feeling is sort of a numbness or a nothingness. It is really scary, to be honest. My emotions, even love for people or passion for my interests can be turned off on a dime and I have no feelings. I can be in the worst meltdown and then stop on that dime and freeze up and think or say “never mind. I’m fine.” I believe that is one of the reasons as a kid when I would cry or “throw a fit” and just stop out of nowhere, my mom joked about me being good at crocodile tears and that I should be an actress.

I am not sure I fully know what true happiness feels like because it is always clouded with dark, depressing thoughts. I don’t think people understand how you can be depressed or have a mental health disorder, but also have days of “wellness” If you smile, laugh or act goofy, they think “oh, yay, you’re cured now.” Even worse, they believe nothing was ever wrong with you. Some people actually believe depression and anxiety is not a real thing. People with mental health disorders or neurological disorders have become very good at masking/faking in order to fit in. Thank about that.

Anyone can have an invisible illness. The number of people in the entertainment industry who have died from suicide is an indicator of this. They are rich, famous, usually well-loved, yet they are ill, sad, probably feel alone in a crowd of people. They get so much attention because they are famous and a lot of it is negative from people who can’t comprehend how someone rich and famous who has “everything” can end their life.

You can have everything and feel like you have nothing. It doesn’t matter who you are, mental health disorders and invisible illnesses do not discriminate. When someone who suffers from a mental health disorder dies by suicide, they did not commit anything, no crime. They lost a battle with their long-suffering illness. We shouldn’t judge anybody. We should be there for each other, even strangers.

If someone looks sad, ask if they are okay, or if they want to talk. Smile more, at friends and family, even at strangers. A smile or heartfelt compliment could change a person’s day for the better. These are things I know, but I don’t always practice them, because I am stuck in my own downward spiral. It is hard to dig out of that hole when nobody is around and your emotions come on strong and then sometimes shut off altogether.

I do nothing, at least that is how it would appear to people who don’t understand me. I don’t have a job. #1 Social anxiety & depression #2 Chronic pain makes it limited to what work I could actually do.

I sleep, eat, get on the computer and live vicariously through so many people on YouTube. It is like a coping mechanism, it makes me feel better, or sometimes emotionless, which is better than crippling despair, I guess? I go through phases of what type of videos I like. Sometimes about books, sometimes more “real talk” sort of videos where people just share their everyday lives. Lately, I’ve been into watching true crime and ghost hunting videos.

Sometimes I read books. Sometimes I play games on my phone. Sometimes I mess with my doll collection. Yes, so, to the outside world, I do nothing. But something very big that I am doing is LIVING. I might not have a paying job, but it is a JOB just to keep myself alive. I would be lying if I said I didn't have suicidal thoughts.

I’m sorry if you don’t understand or if that makes you sad. It’s just the truth. Thinking of death, wanting to die and believing the world would be better off without me are just some of the dark things in my brain. My mental health and chronic pain are huge factors to these feelings. I am more inclined to think about dark and morbid things. My mind tells me nobody cares about me, it nags at me that I am a burden to people. I do know this isn’t true, but sometimes I can’t understand why people would care about me, let alone love me.

I don’t hardly reach out to friends and family because of being depressed and social anxiety, but how many times do they reach out to me? (And I mean heartfelt reaching out, not tagging me in a spam post or liking a post, or something.) Everyone is dealing with their own stuff, I get it. Also, understand when you do reach out to someone with depression, they might not respond at first or they might not know how to respond. If you care about them or love them, don’t stop letting them know.

Just... I’m lonely. I miss the time when it was so simple to make friends and maintain them. I’m not okay, but I am trying to cope.

Depression mental health stigma Anxiety coping social anxiety end the stigma