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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What was the 'aha!' moment that made you realize that old belief wasn't serving you anymore?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Edmore, MI

Growth isn't just about learning new things; it’s about unlearning the old ones. What is one 'truth' you used to believe about yourself that you’ve finally realized was a lie?

July 24
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Reactions
A myHIVteam Member

. ...before, I was taught I was going to hell because I was gay, and I had internalized homophobia towards myself...now, I have unlearned those old belisfs...

July 24
myHIVteam

Living with HIV often becomes a powerful catalyst for personal growth — and a lot of that growth starts with letting go of old, harmful beliefs about yourself. Many people find that an HIV diagnosis forces them to confront assumptions they didn't even know they were carrying.

A myHIVteam member put it beautifully: "The Show Full Answer

Living with HIV often becomes a powerful catalyst for personal growth — and a lot of that growth starts with letting go of old, harmful beliefs about yourself. Many people find that an HIV diagnosis forces them to confront assumptions they didn't even know they were carrying.

A myHIVteam member put it beautifully: "The moment I received my official diagnosis, I dropped all my assumptions about HIV. It was so freeing."

That kind of shift doesn't happen overnight, but it's very possible. Here are some common beliefs people work through:

- "I am defined by my diagnosis" — HIV is a part of life, not the whole of it
- "I am less worthy of love or respect" — self-worth isn't determined by a health status
- "I have to hide who I am" — many find that openness, when safe, brings relief and connection
- "I should be ashamed" — stigma is a social problem, not a personal failing

Personal growth with HIV often looks like learning to be kinder to yourself. As one myHIVteam member shared, they grew tired of their inner critic and made a conscious choice to be more kind to themselves instead. Self-acceptance also has real health benefits — it can strengthen your relationship with your healthcare provider and improve motivation to stay on top of your antiretroviral therapy (ART).

One myHIVteam member described their journey as blending two versions of themselves — the one shaped by shame and the one they chose to become — into a whole, authentic person.

Growth isn't linear, and some days will be harder than others. But as many in the HIV community have found, the life lived on the other side of those old beliefs can be richer, more compassionate, and more fully your own.

July 24
A myHIVteam Member

I only knew that it's incurable and that if you get it, you're contagious and you die.

But there is stigma, and some clinics treat you in isolation these days.
Joining the group and reading information changed my perspective.

Solo sabía que no tiene cura y que si lo contraes contagias de forma cotidiana y te mueres.
Pero si existe estigma y te tratan de manera aislada algunos consultorios de hoy en día.
Al entrar al grupo, y leer información, me cambió las ideas.

July 29
A myHIVteam Member

I realized I am loved by God,:too.

July 24

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