Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a communicable infection that attacks the immune system. This life-threatening condition is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People diagnosed with HIV or AIDS typically experience a range of emotions during the disease process. Counseling and support of friends and family members can help to alleviate the effects of negative emotions.
Denial
A psychiatrist named Elisabeth Kubler Ross did extensive research into the way people cope with a terminal or life-threatening illness. She viewed this coping as occurring in stages. The first stage, denial, is an emotional condition in which the individual doesn't believe her HIV or AIDS diagnosis. This is considered to be a protective mechanism, shielding her from having to accept the reality of the diagnosis too quickly, explains an article in "Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing."
Anger
Kubler-Ross' second stage is anger. This anger may be directed toward a higher power, healthy individuals or the person from whom the HIV was contracted. While an appropriate emotional response, excessive anger can physically and emotionally harm the individual over time.
Bargaining
Kubler-Ross' third stage is bargaining, a phase in which the individual attempts to bargain with his construct of a higher power or destiny in order to make the disease go away. He may think, "If this diagnosis is wrong, I will take better care of myself."
Depression
Depression is Kubler-Ross' fourth stage of coping. According to WomensHealth.gov, depression is twice as common in those who have been diagnosed with the virus that causes AIDS than in the general population. Symptoms include a lack of interest in recreational activities or outings with friends, sadness, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
Acceptance
Kubler-Ross' final stage of emotional response is acceptance. In this stage, an individual accepts her fate and no longer feels angry. The meaning of acceptance varies according to the individual. For some, it means moving on with life and being able to concentrate on things other than the diagnosis; for others it means becoming quietly resigned to fate and losing interest in life.
Stress and Anxiety
In addition to the stages set forth by Kubler-Ross, a person with a diagnosis of AIDS often develops stress or anxiety. She may feel chronically stressed due to a fear of dying or a fear that her loved ones won't accept her if they learn of her diagnosis. She may become anxious as a result of waiting to get laboratory results that indicate whether her physical condition is worsening. She may worry about being able to meet her responsibilities or care for her children. Chronic stress and anxiety require treatment because uncontrolled stress can damage physical and emotional health.
Mood Changes
Over time, the effects of AIDS on the brain and nervous system can affect mood. This may cause mood changes that are out of character for the individual. Medications taken to treat HIV or AIDS may also induce mood changes, explains WomensHealth.gov.
References
- WomensHealth.gov: Women and HIV/AIDS: Emotional Health
- AIDS.gov: Helping Someone Recently Diagnosed: Partner/Family Member/Loved One
- Project Inform: Positive? How Are You Feeling?
- "Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Concepts of Care in Evidence-Based Practice"; Mary C. Townsend, M.N., A.P.R.N.; 2006
