HIV and Mental Health

LAST week I wrote a bit on HIV and AIDS while debunking a few ‘popular’ myths. This week, I will discuss the impact that HIV can have on one’s mental health and some tips to better it.

Considering that mental health refers to a person’s overall emotional, psychological and social well-being, it is not surprising that it would be affected by such a diagnosis.
While absolutely anyone can suffer from mental health problems, those with HIV/AIDS are more at risk. For example, people living with HIV are twice as likely to develop depression as those who do not have HIV.

The typical warning signs of someone who is developing mental health issues are persistent sadness, loss of self-esteem, feeling hopeless or helpless, isolation and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are also very common among those who have recently been diagnosed with HIV so the correlation is clearly visible.

HIV/AIDS imposes a significant psychological burden with the shortened life expectancy, complicated treatment plans, stigmatization/discrimination, and loss of social support from family or friends that typically comes along with the diagnosis. If you are living with HIV, you probably get tons of advice on how to physical stay healthily while emotional health is overlooked. This is a shame as such a diagnosis typically brings forth a variety of emotions such as anger, sadness, regret, resentment, and even denial.

One of the most common issues is the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. This is difficult to deal with, especially if it comes from a lack of understanding from your loved ones.

Remember that mental health issues can cause additional issues such as mood disorders, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts – all of which can affect your adherence to your required treatment plan – so your best effort should be put forth to prevent these from happening.

In well-being, there are three basics, eating well, sleeping well and exercise; it is nearly impossible to have good mental health without these three things, especially since they play off each other. For example, those who eat and sleep well are more likely to have the energy and motivation to exercise; those who exercise are more likely to sleep well and so on- All factors which affect our mood and energy levels.

Learn everything you can about your illness. There are a lot of myths that make an HIV/AIDS diagnosed individual feel helpless and hopeless but the more you learn, the more you can do – and the better you feel. Be aware of possible complications which can make you feel in control of your body again.

Never hesitate to reach out to the right loved ones, the ones who offer support without any judgement. These are the greatest source of help and support.

Avoid alcohol and other drugs as these tend to cause additional mental health issues over time and may also interfere with your treatment regimen. Instead, find healthy coping skills that relax and interest you that also acts as a distraction from any negative thoughts which may occur. Remember, how people cope is essential to how they function.
Start a support group with anyone else you know living with HIV. A support group is one of like-minded individuals with the same intention and goals, who reach out and give support to one another. This is a very overwhelming time and the more support, the better and remember, you are not alone.

Seek professional help like a social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist
If you have access to the internet, there are some anonymous online groups that offer support. Use websites such as NAM and healthtalk which can guide you through the first few weeks and months after your diagnosis. They can offer advice and insight into how other people have coped with an HIV diagnosis and how it has affected their lives.
If you have a loved one who is HIV positive, talk to them but listen more. They have not changed and may still want to connect with you in the same ways they did before their diagnosis, which does not define who they are. Learn what it is and how it’s transmitted to be more comfortable if need be. Encourage treatment (if the conversation goes there) and offer to accompany them to any medical appointments they may have. Support their medication adherence as this can be quite low in newly diagnosed individuals. Finally, simply ask what other needs they may have that you can support and cater to. Reassure them that your relationship has not and will not change- through both your words and actions.

Thank you for reading and please continue to write into caitlinvieira@gmail.com and let me know what you would like to talk about.

Suicide Helpline numbers – 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896
Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

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