How To Care For Your Emotional Health With HIV
It is not unusual for a person to experience a bout of emotions after being diagnosed with HIV. From feeling sad and anxious to afraid and depressed, HIV could challenge your mental wellbeing. Other forms of stress such as – opportunistic illnesses, loss of social support, stressing over how others would react, etc. could contribute to emotional health issues.
However, no matter how you are feeling, it is essential to understand that HIV doesn’t mean your life has come to a steady halt. Just being in despair will only deteriorate your health and your immune system may become more prone to diseases. Good emotional health is imperative to manage your HIV condition.
Though HIV is not curable, HIV treatment has improved over the years and people, who are on regular medication, usually have an undetectable viral load, which means they won’t pass the virus to their partners. People diagnosed with HIV are living long, healthy and normal lives. To live healthily and happily, it is not just essential to take control of your physical health but emotional health as well.[1,2]
Ways to Improve Emotional Health[3]
1. Share Your Feelings
Talk to your loved ones, friends or family members about how and what you feel. They will provide you with emotional support and empathy, as they understand you better than anybody else. It will help you relieve some tension that you may be experiencing.
2. Join A Support Group
Joining a support group often helps. You can get in touch with those experiencing similar issues as you, share your feelings, listen to other people’s challenges, and learn how they are managing their health. It will help you come out of desolation, improve your outlook and gain emotional strength.
3. Practice Some Relaxation Methods
Consider practising some relaxation methods such as meditation, pranayama, or tai chi. It will help you relax, de-stress and manage your thoughts and feelings. If you find it difficult to focus while at home, join classes that teach mindfulness or relaxation methods. You will greatly benefit from it.
4. Seek Counselling
If you feel your emotional stress is taking better of you and affecting your routine, see a counsellor. A counsellor can help you work through your emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is another type of psychotherapy where a therapist will help you recognize negative thoughts and employ strategies to overcome them.
5. Positive Self-Talk
Do not allow negativity to control your life. Read motivational thoughts, affirm positive phrases, watch inspirational videos and channelize your energies towards your goals. You may consider making a wellness plan to care for your emotional wellbeing. See what works for you and what doesn’t and stick to it.
6. Look After Yourself
Engaging in healthy physical activities such as exercising, eating healthy nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, pursuing a hobby and quitting smoking and alcohol can go a long way in enhancing your mental wellbeing.
Our body and mind are connected closely. Any disturbance in emotional health can negatively affect our physical health as well. Living with HIV need not be difficult if you take charge of yourself, your emotions, seek help, and be mindful.
Remember, the changes you want to see may not be evident overnight. Caring for your emotional health is an ongoing process, work through it taking one-step at a time and you will move towards a long, fulfilling and meaningful life.
References:
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/PMC3146205/
- www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/hiv-aids/
- https://familydoctor.org/mental-health-keeping-your-emotional-health/