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Mental Dimension from: coping with HIV-AIDS, The path for Aboriginals living with HIV/AIDSThe mental dimension of life is what allows a person to communicate and put experiences, feelings and beliefs into words. We understand the world and reality with our mind. This dimension should not be neglected when living with HIV/AIDS. Communication Communication can be developed. Even though we learn to express our needs from early childhood on, some people communicate more easily than others. Some become great speakers while others who are shyer only express their emotions when faced with strong emotions. Communication is at the heart of every relationship. Friendships are born when people talk to each other, understand what the other person is saying and feel they are listened to. On the other hand, sometimes relationships are ruined or contacts become more difficult because of communication. Communication is either verbal or nonverbal. When words are exchanged, it is verbal. When body language is used, it is nonverbal communication. These movements show us how to understand words. For example, when a person says that everything is fine with hunched shoulders and a forced smile, you might feel that the person isn’t that fine. A lot of important information is expressed through nonverbal communication. Even silence is a type of communication. Interpreting the message received is also part of communication. This message can be distorted by surrounding noise, a hearing problem or the inability to listen. Our mind quickly makes sense of all the words and movements it perceives within a given context. We give the interpretation a personal sense with our emotions, through our understanding of the person’s experience and the history of our relationship. Our interpretation therefore isn’t always right. This is why tension and conflicts sometimes appear between people. Here are some obstacles that prevent good communication:
Good communication takes practice and requires being aware of the other person’s experience and f our own inner self. Paying attention and taking the time to listen without prejudice can make the difference between good and bad communication. Here are a few tricks for good communication:
Avoid using negative communication, like promises, judgement, denial and testing. Paraphrasing, confirming, encouragement, recognition and acceptance are much more respectful and efficient. Good communication skills can be acquired. They can really make a difference in difficult situations. People living with HIV/AIDS may be faced with conflict and new relationships will be created with external caseworkers. As with family and friends, good communications are essential, as they help to relieve suffering and avoid misunderstanding. Communicating with the Medical Team The medical team is often composed of people who are unknown to the person living with HIV/AIDS put in time they become familiar. These people will see a very private dimension of the patient so it is important to establish clear and honest communications. This helps people living with HIV/AIDS to set their limits and for others to respect them. Health professionals are often seen as holding the key to every question. We are sometimes afraid to ask them questions or to explain the complicated words used by the medical team. However, people living with HIV/AIDS must learn to understand disease and infections, to know their body and to be aware of the steps ahead in order to make the right choices. We should always remember that health professionals are there to help people and do the best they can for their patient’s wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to before making the right decision. Like everyone else, these people are human beings. They are just as affected by courtesy and gratitude as they are by arrogance and mistrust. In every relationship, a good sense of humour is precious. Communicating with People around us We use the same communication skills with the people around us. The only difference is the context and the emotional dimension of the relationships we have with others around us. The people in close proximity to an HIV/AIDS patient are especially affected by the situation. Several strong emotions may come to surface during the whole process. Some may be linked to the past or to unresolved conflicts. In these cases communication may be more difficult. It may be wise to consult a professional who is skilled in helping relations, to start resolving the conflict and to establish some kind of better communication. Confidentiality Confidentiality is important for people living with HIV/AIDS and their family environment. Because of the stigmatization and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS, it is important to keep the diagnostic and person’s lifestyle confidential. As a member of the support team, you are in close contact with the patient and are therefore aware of personal information. Unless the patient gives his consent, you must not reveal any information. It’s a question of respect and dignity. The person’s living environment and support team deserve the same respect. Native Languages Everybody has the right to speak their own and language. It can be comforting, especially when the person is fragile. Because other people take care of them, people living with HIV/AIDS need to express what they think without being handicapped by language. When the medical team and interveners don’t speak the person’s native language, a translator should be hired. This person should be able to translate and explain all the medical terms in the person’s language. Legal Issues Several legal issues must be considered after the patient’s death. This can be a difficult situation especially when the person doesn’t accept the diagnostic. People living with HIV/AIDS will have to make several decisions concerning their health and finances before their death. They will have to designate a person to be responsible for their health and finances in the case they are no longer apt to do so themselves. They will also have to choose the person or persons to whom they wish to bequeath their personal belongings, in what circumstances they wish to die and how they want to be buried. After the person’s death, these decisions will have an impact on the persons who were close to the deceased. Conflicts can arise because some people were not included in the will. In order to avoid any family drama, it is important to draw up a proper and legal will. Creating a Support Team As you may have seen in this manual, people living with HIV/AIDS face many challenges. As the infection progresses and as the person weakens, several new difficulties come up. People often choose to spend their last days at home and need a support team to help them physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally.  It is basically up to the patient to decide if he wants the help of a support team. However, some people have a hard time seeking help because they are afraid to loose their independence and privacy and fear what is ahead. Before making such a decision, the person may speak to health professionals or to people with experience in home palliative care. Loved ones may also be asked to give their opinion. When the medical team is created, it is important to remember that the person living with HIV/AIDS is the one making all the final decisions about the health services. Communication is the team’s best resource. Several measures will have to be taken to respect confidentiality and to make sure everyone’s job is well done. The support team sometimes becomes a family member for the person and loved ones. The support team also needs the help of external resources. |