10 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health When Being Treated for HIV

It can be stressful living with a serious condition like HIV. People with HIV are more likely to get affected by mental disorders like depression and anxiety.

It’s also common to have emotions like fear, guilt, shame, anger, and sadness that can impact your mental health.

Still, mental disorders are treatable, and it is possible to recover completely. You can also get help to manage difficult emotions better.

Here are 10 ways to care for your mental health when you’re being treated for HIV.

It’s normal to avoid socializing when you’re feeling depressed and anxious or having any other type of mental health challenge.

Having people to talk to can help:

• Make it less stressful to deal with the illness
• Alleviate mental health challenges
• Manage feelings of loneliness.

Remember to talk to people who you feel comfortable with, like your friends, family members, social workers, or health care providers. Your conversations should make you feel cared for and supported.

If you’re finding it hard to manage your mental health on your own, get professional help.

• Psychologists treat mental health disorders using talk/behavioral therapy.
• Psychiatrists use talk therapy and prescribe medicines.
• Therapists are licensed professionals who can help you cope with your mental health challenges.

Learn as much as you can about your condition. Discuss any concerns you have with your health care practitioner. Know your treatment options. Understand the results you can expect.

Starting your treatment as soon as you are diagnosed can help to improve your health.

Going for treatments and managing your symptoms can help you control your feelings of anxiety and stress. Taking positive steps can make you feel more in control of your life and your illness.

Eat more of the following healthy foods to give you energy and make your immune system strong:

• Fresh fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean poultry

Eating right can help you manage your mental health better and avoid stress.

Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, raw eggs, and raw seafood. People with HIV have a higher risk of catching infections from raw foods.

Sleep problems are common when you have HIV. If you’re not sleeping well you won't have enough energy to cope with mental health challenges. It can also make it harder to manage your emotions or lead to depression.

Adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.

Talk to your doctor if you have difficulties sleeping. They may recommend behavioral therapy. Sometimes you may need to take medicines to help you sleep called sedatives.

Spend time on your favorite hobbies or other activities that you enjoy. You could even sign up as a volunteer in your local community.

Getting involved in such activities can give you a sense of purpose, boost your mood, and increase your confidence.

Regular exercise can help reduce stress and symptoms of depression.

When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals that boost your mood called endorphins.

Walking, running, swimming, dancing, or yoga are all great physical activities to try.

Meditation can help reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Meditation helps you focus on what you’re doing, your feelings, and your thoughts from moment to moment.

You can pick up on negativity and stop it before it gets worse.

Complementary therapy can be helpful to improve your sense of well-being. These include treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, massage therapy, Ayurveda, nutritional supplements, and traditional healing.

Talk to your doctor before you start any form of complementary therapy. Remember that they do not replace conventional medical treatment.

Being part of a support group can help you take better care of your mental health. 

• You can share your experiences with others who are going through the same things.
• Your self-esteem improves.
• You can cope better with the stress and other emotions that can come up. 
• You’ll feel more motivated to keep up with your medication and treatments.

Having HIV can be a challenging life experience. Use these tips to manage your mental health and improve your ability to cope with the condition.