How to Cope With HIV/AIDS

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS. Thanks to new medications people with HIV/AIDS are living longer and healthier lives, but learning to cope with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, like learning to cope with any other chronic health condition, can be quite challenging. Read on to learn how to cope with HIV/AIDS.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• HIV/AIDS service organization
• Psychiatrist or counselor
• Supportive friends
• HIV testing site such as doctor's office or public health clinic

Before the Diagnosis

1. Acknowledge your risk factors. Risk factors include having unprotected female-male or male-male sex, being the victim of rape, sharing needles while using injection drugs and accidentally sticking yourself with a needle while providing health care.

2. Get tested. While home tests are available, most professionals agree that it is better to go to a doctor's office or clinic where you can receive face-to-face counseling and comfort.

3. Bring a friend or family member with you to hear the test results. If you have tested HIV positive, you probably won't hear a thing the health care professional says beyond those frightening words. A loved one can ask questions on your behalf and write down information about follow-up care.

After the Diagnosis

4. Remember that HIV/AIDS is not the death sentence it once was in the past. Breakthrough treatments have made it possible to live a normal, or near normal, lifespan in relatively good health. Remind yourself that HIV has become a chronic condition rather than a terminal one.

5. Follow up immediately with a health care professional. He or she can determine your current health status and start you on a treatment regimen.

6. Get support from an HIV/AIDS service organization. Service organizations typically offer support groups, case management, limited financial assistance, education and referrals to other helpful community resources. Avert lists dozens of such service organizations by state. See the Resources section below for a link.

7. Monitor your mood. It is easy to slip into a depression after being diagnosed with a chronic illness. Common depression symptoms typically last for several weeks and include sad or irritable mood, crying more than usual, not being able to enjoy activities you used to love, lack of interest in sex, changes in sleeping and eating patterns and recurrent thoughts of dying or killing yourself. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, ask your doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist or counselor.

8. Combat guilt. Many people use a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS as an excuse to beat themselves up. It is important to remember that the "if onlys" will just add to your pain. If you made a mistake, forgive yourself and move on.

9. Take care of your body. Now that you are suffering from a chronic condition, it is especially important to eat the right foods, get enough sleep, avoid stress and take your medications as prescribed.

10. Find ways to release your grief and anger. Some people talk to friends, others journal or paint, and still others do better with a physical release such as running, lifting weights or pummeling a punching bag.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you let anyone hand you a guilt trip about how you contracted HIV/AIDS, it is important to remember that almost every disease has a lifestyle component. People with lung cancer are often smokers, people with type II diabetes are often obese and people with melanoma often sun-tanners. If they deserve help and compassion, so do you.
• If you begin to have serious, consistent thoughts of killing yourself, or if you find yourself making a plan, go to the doctor or the emergency room right away. They can help set you up with appropriate mental health resources. Remember, HIV is not a death sentence, and you still have much to live for.

Resources

• Avert to Find Local HIV/AIDS Service Organizations

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.