A transgender women became depressed after her HIV status was exposed, but she recovered after receiving the necessary help.
“The first thing I thought of doing was to take my own life to escape the pain of humiliation after my HIV-positive status was exposed.”
These were the words of *Dessy who became depressed after a friend she trusted revealed her HIV status to the community during a disagreement between the two of them.
Dessy, a transgender woman from the Erongo region found out, three years ago that she was HIV positive and chose to share her HIV status with the few people she trusted.
“I made this decision to protect myself from the fear of stigma and discrimination. People living with HIV often experience stigma and discrimination associated with their status.
“Stigma and discrimination are usually intensified towards key populations, particularly female sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender individuals who face the additional stigma due to social and cultural judgements,” she says.
This also places key populations at a heightened risk of mental health issues including low self-esteem and poor mental health which can trigger suicidal thoughts.
“I was shocked to hear him shouting that I am HIV positive. It was dehumanising, and I just wanted to die. My fear was that the news would spread in my community and I would be discriminated against,” Dessy says.
She says the psychosocial support offered through the Key Populations Strengthening Technical Assistance and Response (KP-STAR) project for sustainable HIV prevention and treatment saved her life.
KP-STAR is funded by the United States government through the United States Agency for International Development which aims to strengthen HIV prevention and reduce the incidence of and mitigate the impact of HIV. KP-STAR is implemented by IntraHealth Namibia. “I reached out to the KP-STAR regional coordinator and was referred to a social worker,” Dessy says. “Continuous counselling from the social worker and the KP-STAR team restored my self-esteem and confidence. If it was not for their support, I would not be alive today to share my story,” she adds. Windhoek-based clinical psychologist Shaun Whittaker says suicide is not a solution, although the victim might have experienced betrayal, humiliation and shame.
Namibian police spokesperson commissioner Kauna Shikwambi says the police does investigate cases of defamation of character.
US embassy public affairs officer and spokesperson Tiffany Miller says Dessy has been receiving support from the KP-STAR since 2021, after her diagnosis.
The project’s case managers provide services to people who have experienced gender-based and intimate partner violence, as well as stigma and discrimination. She further says the US government provides psychosocial services for key populations living with HIV, among others.
The project mainly works with the Ministry of Health and Social Services to facilitate stigma-free access to health facilities in the top ten towns with a high HIV burden to ensure coordinated service delivery, Miller says.
“Psychological support helps those infected and affected by HIV to cope effectively with their status and enhance their quality of life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, remember that help is available”.
The US embassy, through KP-STAR, has services and professionals ready to provide support. In Namibia, Lifeline/Childline offers counselling services daily from 08h00 to 20h00. You can contact them at +264 226 889 or dial 116 for immediate assistance.
“You are not alone,” Miller adds.
*Not her real name.
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