Things to Think About Before Being Tested for HIV

Danny West is a trainer, coach, and leadership consultant, has been living with HIV for the past 24 years, and remains healthy today. One of his roles at RYL Training and Coaching Consultancy is providing people with accurate information about HIV/AIDS. He doesn’t specifically encourage people to take the HIV test, but he helps people to think through the issues involved in making the decision of whether or not to be tested for HIV so they can make an informed choice. Being diagnosed HIV positive has many implications that must be considered before taking the HIV test. There is still much discrimination against people who are living with HIV. In the United Kingdom, it’s difficult to get a job, mortgage, or life insurance if you are HIV positive. It is difficult to travel to certain countries if you are HIV positive. There are many restrictions placed on people with HIV due to fear and ignorance. Danny doesn’t normally give advice, but he encourages people considering the HIV test to get enough information to make an informed decision. Next, think about the impact that an HIV positive test result would have on your life, who you would tell, and how they would react. Isolation is a killer, so think about who would be willing to provide you support if your result is HIV positive. For more information, visit http://www.ryl-training-consultancy.co.uk/ and http://www.AIDSvideos.org/.