Contents:
- Medical Video: The changing face of HIV
- What might you experience after an HIV diagnosis?
- Afraid and worry
- Shame and guilt
- Depression and isolation
- Psychological issues
Medical Video: The changing face of HIV
It's natural to experience emotional shock when you hear a doctor diagnose you with HIV. In addition to weakening the physical, HIV diagnosis can also change the dynamics of your relationship - including your family, friends, colleagues and even your spouse. Great pressure can put a heavy burden on your life. So, what emotions can you feel and how to overcome them?
What might you experience after an HIV diagnosis?
Afraid and worry
Fear is an emotion that is common to everyone when they know they have HIV. Fear can be related to the concern that friends, colleagues and family will react negatively to your HIV diagnosis or will not support your recovery, according to the Mental Health Care agency for People Living with or Affected by HIV / AIDS. Fear can also be a reaction to the possibility of having to undergo long-term medical treatment, the therapeutic and medicinal effects on your body, and the possibility of shortened life expectancies.
How to overcome: Calm yourself first and try talking to your doctor about what you must overcome in these early days to control and prevent the worsening of the disease. Try to be as open and honest as possible with your family and close friends, especially your spouse, about your condition. Spending time with the closest people can put out negative thoughts.
Shame and guilt
Negative stamp related to the diagnosis of HIV and AIDS can cause you to be enveloped in guilt or shame. After the initial diagnosis, it's natural that you feel this is your fault, and the fear of being abandoned by the closest people can damage you from the inside. You can also feel that you are no longer wanted.
How to overcome: Remember that HIV is a disease similar to liver disease or cancer. HIV will not spread if you know how to protect yourself and other people from the spread of the virus. Try to explain this to people around you. You can join a social group where HIV patients can find moral and social assistance and support. You will be helped and understood. Don't also avoid talking to people because they can think that your illness is dangerous, and create a distance between you and others.
Depression and isolation
You may feel hopeless after the initial diagnosis. "Individuals with HIV have proven to be more prone to loneliness than healthy populations," said psychology professor Tiffany McDowell. McDowell also mentioned that HIV positive people are more vulnerable to depression. Social stigma that also judges close relatives / families of HIV patients also plays a role in the lack of willingness to support patients undergoing treatment.
How to overcome: Don't stay home all day. Go outside and follow as many activities as possible. Exercising every morning and doing simple things like cleaning your house can improve your emotions. Surrounding people will always respect anyone who is brave and tough to desperately fight against disease and have a positive outlook on life.
Psychological issues
If you are diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, you may be more at risk of experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder, aka PTSD. It is important to remember that there are certain times that make you far more vulnerable to experiencing psychiatric pressure, such as shortly after diagnosis, at the onset of symptoms, and at your first hospitalization.
How to overcome: In this case, always being around people who care and caring for you is the best way to overcome the issue. The family has a "magical" power that can help you to overcome every acid of life.
Now there are various ways to deal with HIV and prevent worsening conditions. There is still hope for HIV patients. It is important to always think positively and adhere to a healthy lifestyle, which is especially important in the early days of HIV diagnosis. Don't forget, whatever happens, there are many people who support you, especially your family.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
