Among the factors you might consider when trying to choose the best human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) support group are the leadership of the support group, or at least the person who organized it; its level of formality; and the size of the group. When making your decision, you may also consider whether or not friends and family of group members are allowed to attend. Likewise, the location of the group may prove a deciding factor.
When choosing an HIV support group, the leader or organizer of an HIV support group may influence your decision. Some groups have leaders or organizers who are HIV positive while others may simply care about people with HIV and volunteer to lead or organize a group for the purpose of being helpful. Other groups may have mental health professionals as their leaders or organizers. Choosing the right group for you will likely mean selecting the type of leadership with which you are most comfortable.
You may find that some support groups are more formal or larger than others. Some have numerous participants, which makes it easy to attend yet remain anonymous while others are intimate and involve a good deal of sharing and connection with the other participants. If you are not ready to share the details of your situation with a small, personal group, however, a larger group may prove a better option.
Some HIV support groups are intended only for HIV patients while others may allow friends and family members to participate. Many people appreciate support groups that include their loved ones while others find them a distraction or prefer to participate only with people who are dealing with HIV or AIDS. The best HIV support group for you will depend on which format makes you feel the most comfortable.
Though location may not seem as important as many of the other factors you consider when you are trying to choose the best HIV support group, it does bear consideration. At times, problems such as bad weather, fatigue, or even heavy traffic may make you less interested in attending a support group meeting. To avoid having issues such as weather and traffic jams prevent you from getting the support you need, you may find it most beneficial to join a support group that is located close to your home or place of employment. It is important to note, however that you also can find support groups online, which means you can still get the support you need, even if you live in a remote area.
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