FRANÇAIS PRINT-READY PDF TABLE OF CONTENTS PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE RELATED LINKS Managing Your Health, 1999 edition Emotional and Spiritual Support
Spirituality
Spirituality, whether in the form of organized religion, shared beliefs of a specific culture, or individual personal beliefs, is an important source of support for many people who have HIV/AIDS. Some find renewed purpose in their lives as they come to terms with HIV. You may find support and strength in exploring the spiritual traditions of your own culture.
Meditation has helped many people who have HIV or AIDS find peace and acceptance and get in touch with their spirituality.
Priests, rabbis, ministers, nuns, imams, aboriginal elders, and other spiritual leaders may be able to give you emotional support. They offer religious and spiritual advice, as well as company and comfort. But be aware that some organized religions don't accept homosexuality, sex outside of marriage, drug use, condom use, or the right to abortion. You can check out HIV support groups to find people who share your religious or spiritual beliefs. Or you may want to try attending a church, synagogue, temple, or sweat lodge that has a supportive membership. Exploring spirituality has helped some people deal with HIV and AIDS. If you're thinking about checking out programs or workshops, do some investigating. You can spend a great deal of money going to workshop after workshop. If you look around, you may find something that works for you at very little cost. Talk with other people who have HIV or AIDS and find out what's worked for them. | 
