Voices of Positive Women

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Mental Health - Summer 2005

Depression is a serious problem for many HIV+ women. In fact, studies show that almost 60 percent of HIV+

women display clinical signs of depression and up to 75 percent display at least some depressive symptoms. HIV+

women are 20 percent more likely to be depressed than HIV+ men.

Many factors contribute to the high rate of depression among HIV+ women. Experts believe that lower household

income, active drug use, alcohol use, and sexual and physical abuse may all add to the risk. Relationship status

and social support may also be related to depression.

While scientists have linked chronic depression in women with a decline in CD4 cells, the specific connection is

still unclear. However, clinical depression is one of the leading causes of non-adherence

to HIV medications. Details ...

PREVIOUS ISSUES OF THE NEWSLETTER

Spirituality - Spring 2005

"For some people, they might answer God. For me, spirituality was something I had to re-introduce to my life two

years ago when my life was spiraling out of control. It was then that I decided to start my healing journey.

I went to an Aboriginal healing lodge called Cedar Healing Lodge. I chose this place for two reasons. One reason

was to re-educate myself on dealing with my past as being a sexual assault survivor as well as a PHA (Person living with HIV/AIDS). The second reason was to re-educate myself on traditional teachings as well as to learn more about my Ojibway culture and be submerged in my culture. It was then that I learned Good Orderly Direction. This wonderful place had taught me to change my life to the good in all aspects, living my life according to the Medicine Wheel. For far too long I had lived my life unbalanced, not focusing on the spiritual void in my life." Details ...

2004 Year End Issue- In Her Own Words

"Ottawa is my city – home of the Ottawa Senators, Federal Parliament and Beavertails. This is where I grew up, where I became an addict, and where I contracted HIV. It is also where I became clean, a mom, a wife and an advocate. Ottawa is where I first discovered that I had a voice, and how to use it." Volunteering at the drop-in led me to discover that there was an organization in Ontario specifically for women living with HIV/AIDS. Voices of Positive Women and the women who are members have made a great impact in my life. These women made me realize that there is in fact a place for women within the AIDS movement. During this time I also became involved with other AIDS organizations doing Board and committee work, and volunteering in other capacities. Details ...

Breaking The Silence - Fall 2004

"It has been difficult for me to find the courage to do this, but I've decided to break the silence for the benefit of members who are feeling that they are alone in the abuse they're experiencing in their relationship, and feeling ashamed to talk to anyone about it. I grew up witnessing my father beat my mother and I have never been able to get over the pain that caused me when I was young and unable to help her. When I tested positive, I started to write in a journal and I started to recount memories from my childhood. "Details ...

Prison Issues - Summer 2004

"In Canada's federal prison system, the number of reported cases of HIV/AIDS rose from 14 in 1989 to 159 in 1996, and to 217 in 2000. These numbers are unlikely to be accurate since many inmates haven't disclosed their HIV status and many won't know if they are HIV+. The situation is much the same in provincial prisons. It is estimated that the rate of HIV infection is 10 times higher in prisons than it is in the general Canadian population." Details ...

Hep C and HIV co-infection - Spring 2004

"There are many different Hepatitis viruses out there, including A, B, and C. Until the mid 1990’s,Hepatitis C was referred to as “non-A, non-B Hepatitis”. Unfortunately, Hepatitis C has turned out to be both more common and more deadly in people living with HIV. It is estimated that approximately 30 per cent of all people who have HIV also have Hepatitis C, and in some groups, like injection drug users and hemophiliacs, close to 100 per cent of people who have HIV also have Hepatitis C." Details ...

Isolation - Winter 2004
"Imagine going to a retreat or attending an Annual General Meeting and not being able to feel a part of it because you are deaf. A member shared experience with me this year and until I heard it from her, I didn't quite comprehend the amount of isolation that our deaf members can feel at times. There are so many things that organizations need to keep in mind when planning an event to ensure that all women feel included. Details ...

Year End Review of 2003
"I would like to share some successes of the past year for Voices of Positive Women. I find we tend to focus on some negative aspects sometimes, when really we should all be proud of the accomplishments of this organization. And they include efforts from staff/students placements and our member volunteers. It is evident that we are growing and that we are strong "Voices of Positive Women". There are way too many women to thank personally and I don't ever want to run the risk of accidentally forgetting anyone. You all know who you are! You are amazing. " Details ...

Culture and Diversity and HIV- Fall 2003
"I'm excited to introduce our first multi-lingual issue of the FYI. I've had a great time putting this together as I have been able to make some wonderful connections with Community Partners and members, specifically our Spanish speaking members. It is so liberating to speak to women in my own language as I have not been connected with the Spanish community in Toronto all my life. My family always kept a distance from the Hispanic community and what always heard was that the Spanish community enjoy talking a lot about each other's personal business. Because of this, when I found out about my HIV status, the Spanish community was the last place i wanted to go to for support. In my experience, what I have noticed is that a lot of HIC positive women feel the same way about disclosing their HIV status to their Hispanic friends and family." Details ...

YOUTH — Summer 2003

"I tested HIV+ a week before my 24th birthday. Getting this diagnosis really threw a loop into my life because I was still figuring out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. I was unemployed, temporarily living at my mom's place, and in the process of coming out as queer (meaning, for me, I wanted to date girls). I found it hard to tell my friends who were all HIV-negative (as far as I new, anyway). The ones I did tell were really supportive of me, but it was still hard to feel like there wasn't a fundamental difference between their lives and mine." Details ...

HARM REDUCTION — Spring 2003
"You may or may not have heard the term Harm Reduction but my guess is you will be hearing more about it in Canada over the coming months. Harm Reduction is a pretty simple idea really – like the word says, its aim is to reduce harm, and in particular, the harm (or negative effects) that can come from using legal or illegal substances..."

Details ...

GETTING INVOLVED — Winter 2003

"When you become a volunteer at Voices you get a chance to LEARN, with an emphasis on its benefit to you in future employment and self-empowerment. Learning isn’t the same as training, and it’s often done in small steps. We can train you to answer the ‘phone but you are the one who learns to make the most of the opportunity to be in contact with the person on the other end of the phone..."

Details ...

YEAR IN REVIEW & THE YEAR AHEAD — End of Year 2002 & New Year's 2003

"The past year at Voices has been an incredible journey for us all. The inevitable uncertainty surrounding change led to many moments of hair pulling frustration but these were far surpassed by the moments of inspiration as programs unfolded and members reconnected with Voices.
It continues to be a journey of small steps and giant strides which sometimes takes our collective breath away. We face 2003 ready for whatever challenges there may be on our path, with the goal of reaching out to every HIV positive woman in the province..."

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MOTHERHOOD — Fall 2002

"Raising our children is probably the hardest job anyone could ever experience. The good thing is that it comes with unique benefits that enrich our lives every day. For some women living with HIV, having our children gives us the strength to move on from the tragedy of our diagnoses and begin to look forward to the future of seeing our children grow up, and seeing life through their innocent eyes into maturity..."

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HIV & PREGNANCY — Summer 2002

"Being HIV + and pregnant, or deciding whether or not to get pregnant can be extremely overwhelming..." Details ...

HIV & SEXUALITY — Spring 2002

"It is very important for women with HIV to remain sexually active after their HIV diagnosis. Of course, there are psychological problems like depression and low self-esteem that must be overcome to do so. In addition there is some limited research to suggest that HIV drugs can cause sexual dysfunction." Details ...