Part 2 of Empathy Series Write Up: Empathy In action –
A case scenario in dealing with PLHIV clients with empathy: the case of a Balikbayan Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). How a person’s empathy can both create and indicate the attitudes and behaviors of our respective community if an act of empathy is demonstrated to a PLHIV balikbayan OFW?
A 31-year-old overseas Filipino worker named James/JM embarks on a journey to work as a caregiver, driven by his aspiration to secure a better future for his family. Despite the challenges he encounters, he finds solace in his profession of caring for elderly patients. Upon his return to the Philippines and reassignment to the company’s headquarters, he begins experiencing unusual fatigue, prompting him to seek medical attention. Following a series of examinations, JM receives a diagnosis of HIV.
The news devastates JM, leaving him to grapple with overwhelming emotions of shame, fear, and isolation. A counselor specializing in HIV becomes his sole confidant, offering both medical aid and emotional support. Through this counselor, JM becomes acquainted with the advancements in HIV treatment, which instill a sense of hope within him.
JM wrestles with the idea of disclosing his condition to his best friend. He fears her reaction, concerned that she may view him differently or, worse yet, abandon him. Meanwhile, his health fluctuates, and he struggles to maintain his employment while concealing his diagnosis from his employers and colleagues.
Sensing that something is amiss, JM’s best friend confronts him. Overwhelmed, he breaks down and reveals his diagnosis. She becomes his pillar of strength, aiding him in navigating the complexities of his work while contending with a life-altering illness. She encourages him to confide in his wife.
Summoning the courage, JM eventually divulges his condition to his wife. The conversation is heart-wrenching, characterized by tears and silence. Initially shocked and hurt, his wife feels a sense of betrayal that JM kept such a significant secret. However, as time passes, she comprehends the importance of providing JM with her unwavering support.
With the support of his wife, JM embarks on treatment and gradually regains his strength. He learns to accept his condition and becomes an advocate for HIV awareness within the overseas Filipino worker community. By sharing his narrative, he aspires to dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV and urge others to seek assistance.
JM’s journey exemplifies resilience and love. Despite his ongoing struggle to combat the challenges posed by his condition, his bond with his wife flourishes as they confront the obstacles together. JM returns to the Philippines not only as a provider but also as a survivor and advocate, prepared to embark on a new chapter with his family.
This story narrates JM’s emotional voyage as he copes with his diagnosis, the stigma associated with HIV, and the complexities of disclosure. It urges us to embrace our shared humanity by emphasizing the significance of love, acceptance, and resilience, thereby underscoring the necessity of empathy and understanding in the face of adversity.
Take aways:
1. Empathy plays a crucial role in establishing trust with individuals facing challenging circumstances and who are in desperate need of emotional support.
2. The ability to demonstrate empathy is particularly significant when dealing with people living with HIV (PLHIV), as it allows us to effectively navigate disclosure situations.
3. Showing empathy can prove to be a determining factor in the well-being and overall experiences of PLHIV.
4. Empathy has the potential to empower PLHIV working overseas (OFW) to advocate for their own health and overall welfare.
5. Furthermore, empathy can enable PLHIV OFWs to become advocates for raising awareness about HIV within the OFW community.