What do you do when family members are not there to support you? Living with HIV can be isolating, especially if family members withdraw or are unsupportive. Being open and honest with these family members takes commitment to a long process of building a stronger relationship. It's important to find support from others with HIV who know what you are going through.

On myHIVteam, the social network and online support group for those living with HIV, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Family members' reactions to diagnosis are one of the most discussed subjects.

Here are some question-and-answer threads about family members' response to diagnosis:

• What to do when family members are not there to support you?
• What's the best way to tell family and friends of your HIV status?
• How long did you wait to tell your family and friends about your diagnosis?

Here are some conversations about family members' reaction to diagnosis:

• It's been a very good couple of days but I've been really tired.
• Lost my family as they insist I apologize to my sister in law which I will never do.
• So today a lady from Public Health came to my house unannounced, no one called and informed me of this visit. I dont know how to tell my family, or where to begin.

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to myHIVteam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.