Living with HIV can feel like carrying two battles at once: the physical health journey and the invisible fight against stigma. While medicine has advanced, and people with HIV are living full, healthy lives, society’s misconceptions often remain. That stigma can whisper lies: “You’re not enough,” “People will judge you,” or “You’ll never be accepted.”
But here’s the truth: your value doesn’t decrease because of someone else’s ignorance. Confidence begins not in how others see you, but in how you see yourself.
Recognize the Source of Stigma
Stigma is rooted in fear and misinformation, not truth. When you understand that, you stop internalizing the labels and start separating who you are from what others may believe. You are not the stigma—you are a person with purpose, gifts, and a future.
Build Confidence in Your Identity
Your diagnosis does not define you. Your faith, your resilience, your character, and your story are what shine brightest. Confidence grows when you remind yourself daily:
I am worthy of love and respect. I am more than my diagnosis. God has a plan for my life that no stigma can cancel.
Surround Yourself with Safe People
Confidence needs community. When you surround yourself with people who speak life into you instead of shame, you create a shield against the world’s negativity. Find support groups, trusted friends, or faith-based communities where you can be fully yourself without fear of rejection.
Turn the Fight Into Fuel
Instead of letting stigma silence you, let it push you forward. Every time you stand boldly, speak openly, or walk confidently, you chip away at the walls of misunderstanding for someone else. You’re not just surviving stigma—you’re changing the narrative.
Faith Over Fear
When the weight of judgment feels heavy, lean into faith. Scripture reminds us that God uses what the world rejects to display His glory. Your life is a testimony, not a tragedy. The stigma may fight against you, but God fights for you. And when He is for you, nothing—no label, no whisper, no opinion—can stand.
Confidence is not pretending the stigma doesn’t exist—it’s choosing to rise above it anyway. Your walk is powerful. Your story is saving lives. And your confidence, even in the face of stigma, is proof that victory belongs to you.
What does this look like for you!!! Living your best Life your way!!!
Jennice Jackson
I woke up today and felt new. I felt refreshed and ready to do my best. I believe that I can move forward. I came out of a marriage that was rewarding sometime but heavy and turbulent must times. I was walking on egg shelves. I knew that it would end just was not sure when. I was not being responsible with my time or life. We don’t have several lives we have one. And I was coasting. Don’t get me wrong, I was attending classes, preaching and showing up for everyone but myself. LOVING EVERYONE BUT MYSELF. It was exhausting. It was unpredictable in that house. Arguments would start up just out of nowhere for the smallest things. A salad dressing bottle on the table was enough for me to be considered nothing and unappreciative. It was crazy. One day I was over whelmed and went to my normal get away spot “the shower”. I was in the shower and started to feel light headed. I went to step out of the shower and fainted on the floor. I am not sure how long I was down there. When I came too. I realized that I was alone in that house even though he was right in the other room. And if I didn’t care for me no one would. I got up and decided that I would start the journey back to me or to a new me. And it’s a steady climb now! Still ups and downs but I am still on MY journey!
Stress Awareness Month is observed in April. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the causes, effects, and management of stress. It aims to promote healthy coping mechanisms and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Salvation After HIV/AIDS 