Table 2.

Disease-, illness-, and sickness-related aspects: quotes from narratives.

Disease	—Today, living with HIV is much easier. The change in therapy and the reduction of tablets has benefited psychologically —I started to learn about the therapy and the experiences of those who had gone through it before me. The treatment I was given was new and therefore worried me
Illness	—Like any other person, or rather like a normal person, and even if I know that the disease is there, it does not mean that I cannot live it to the fullest as I have always done and be more careful in the things I do —As if time were short. As if everything was vital. Inside myself, however, I try to hide my insecurities which make me put up concrete walls. I feel stronger than before. But I never talk to anyone about certain things, making me feel insecure
Sickness	—I do not talk about it. Only two people know about it. I don't think my friends would understand either. I am sure they would change their attitude. I would be afraid of being judged —Because of the well-known mistrust of people with this disease, it is impossible to address this topic