On June 27, 2024 ACRIA at GMHC held our annual Aging Mental Health Awareness Day. The purpose of the day is to learn and exchange ideas around what does it mean to be aging with HIV and maintaining mental health. Throughout the day, we got to brainstorm ways that thriving and flourishing look for mental health, build community as we talked about these in smaller groups, and engage in a bunch of free self care activities.
Free chair massages, magnetic acupuncture, meditation exercises, lunch, and even a death cafe were offered to explore different aspects of aging while living with HIV. On site, we also had representatives from the mental health and substance use departments to answer specific questions about insurance eligibility and to make direct referrals to GMHC or other services. We really wanted it to be a place where folks could learn what was available and access it almost immediately.
At the end of the day, we were lead through a guided soundbath meditation. With the sounds of meditation bowls and chimes, we explored the different types of awareness of our selves before going off into the busy world outside.
One thing that stuck out in the conversations during the day was the theme of resilience. Below is what one participant said about resilience: “To be able to thrive and fully function with life obstacles. If someone throw a rock into the river, the water will still go around the rock. And life should be the same, to flow around the problem and (not) get stuck from going forward.” Yes, ripples will happen and yet, if we are the rock, we can continue on our path and let the water rush over us. It is easier said than done, but something that resonated for many in the room.
