Who is at Risk?
Risks and Prevention
HIV/AIDS and Youth
HIV/AIDS risk and prevention information for youth.
How to Bring Up HIV Topics With Your Partner
Talking about sex can be awkward, and talking about HIV and commitment can be scary. Here are some tips to get the conversation going:
- It’s better to talk about it earlier rather than later, especially before you have sex.
- If you’re looking for way to start talking, try showing your partner this website.
- Tell your partner that you’ve been reading about this, heard about it, were talking to a friend, etc. and because you care so much you wanted to make sure you were both protected.
- Don’t force it. Find an appropriate time when your partner is comfortable and can give you their full attention.
- Whether scheduled or spontaneous, make sure the setting is one where you are both comfortable.
- Try scheduling or checking in with your partner. Healthy relationships require an open dialogue and people’s opinions and minds change.
- The conversation doesn’t have to be in person, if texting or chatting online is more effective then try different kinds of communication.
Tips are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention campaign Act Against AIDSopens in new window.
What Can Decrease HIV Risk?
Abstinence. Not engaging in oral, anal or vaginal intercourse.
Partner communication: share your HIV status with your sex partners.
Medication: Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP.
Circumcised men have a lower chance of getting HIV from having vaginal sex.
Try less risky sexual behaviors. Use condoms. Reduce the number of sex partners.
Partner agreements: Being in a monogamous relationship or choosing partners with the same HIV status (serosorting).
Serosorting
Choosing partners with the same HIV status can be effective if you...
- Make sure you and your partner are either both HIV positive or both HIV negative.
- Get tested and encourage your partner to get tested.
- Know when to get tested again especially if you or your partner had a potential exposure. You should use condoms until you can be retested.
Keep Your Self Mentally Healthy
Good mental health will help you live your life to the fullest.
Almost everyone has faced mental health challenges at some point in their lives.
From a death of a loved one, to moving or failing in school, we all have challenges that can impact our mental health. HIV is another challenge that can affect your nervous system and change your behavior.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions.
Do you have these symptoms?
- Persistent sadness.
- Anxiety.
- Helplessness.
- Negativity.
- Loss of appetite.
- Disinterest in engaging with others.
Where do Ii get help?
- Psychiatrists and psychologists.
- Mental health support groups.
- HIV support groups.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationopens in new window.
- Office on Women’s Healthopens in new window.
- APA Topic: Emotional Health.
- Find a Psychologist.
Can I do it alone?
- Sometimes it takes additional counseling or medication to help with severe mental health conditions.
- Other times, exercise and meditationopens in new window can help ease symptoms of anxiety and stress.
- Support of family and friends can help.
What can psychology do for me?
- Psychology contributes to the development of treatment and prevention of mental health at all levels.
- Individual: one on one therapy or counseling.
- Peer: your friends and schoolmates.
- Family: parents and adults close to you can give guidance.
- School: teachers and counselors can listen and give you additional resources.
- Find a psychologist near you or call 1 (800) 964-2000.
Date created: 2017