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Stigma comes from ignorance. It is linked to people not understanding the facts of HIV and having gaps in their knowledge. Myths about HIV, fear and negative attitudes, result in rejection or exclusion of a person based on their HIV status. Finding ways to help someone who experiences self- stigma around HIV is not easy, especially if they continue to be exposed to other people’s negative attitudes.

The key is finding ways for people living with HIV to feel supported and able to build resilience or coping strategies to manage the negative attitudes of others. Giving space to talk and share experiences can be helpful, as well as supporting people to know their rights and educating and informing others about HIV.

Some people have tackled experiences of stigma and discrimination by gradually sharing with people who are trusted and who have had the same experiences, people who can empathise and relate to each other.’ These relationships can support people dealing with anxiety around the reactions of others and offer opportunities for practical problem solving.

Finding ways to help someone who experiences self-stigma around HIV is not easy, especially if they continue to be exposed to other people’s negative attitudes. The key is finding ways for people living with HIV to feel supported and able to build resilience or coping strategies to manage the negative attitudes of others. Giving space to talk and share experiences can be helpful, as well as supporting people to know their rights and educating and informing others about HIV.

This leaflet is about stigma: it provides advice to peer supporters on how to help people to deal with stigma and self- stigma Finding ways to help someone who experiences self-stigma around HIV is not easy, especially if they continue to be exposed to other people’s negative attitudes. Some people have tackled experiences of stigma and discrimination by gradually sharing with people who are trusted and who have had the same experiences, people who can empathise and relate to each other.’ These relationships can support people dealing with anxiety around the reactions of others and offer opportunities for practical problem solving.