An HIV diagnosis can illicit many emotions. Not everyone has the same emotions and the emotions may manifest in different ways for different people. It is important to be aware of the emotional effects that this diagnosis can have for you or a loved one affected by this disease. If you or someone you know is overwhelmed by emotion because of this disease, it is important to seek help from your doctor or from a counselor.
Anger
Anger is a very common emotion that persons affected with HIV can feel. Feelings of frustration, loss of control and being upset about having a disease that has such a social stigma attached to it are very normal. Many might feel the situation is unfair and ask, "Why me?" Anger sometimes can lead to depression. It is important for people with anger to talk about how they are feeling and try to redirect this emotion in a positive way.
Fatigue
Fatigue and tiredness can come from the physical effects of the disease, the medication side effects and all of the different changes in life that this disease might bring. This can result in changes in how the person socializes, works at their job and interacts with family and friends. Fatigue can be physical or psychological, or both. Depending on the reason for fatigue, the affected person should discuss it with their doctor or someone they can talk to such as a counselor.
Grief and Depression
Grief is a very normal reaction to receiving a diagnosis like HIV. One might feel like getting the diagnosis is a big loss in their life. Persons with depression can feel hopeless and alone. They feel tired and uninterested. There are varying degrees of depression, and sometimes grief can be overwhelming. It is important that if you or a loved one with HIV feel depressed that you get help from a doctor or a psychologist. Often, HIV caseworkers have many contacts in the community who can help. It is important that anyone with symptoms of depression seek help by communicating with someone they trust and talking to a doctor.
Guilt
Persons infected with HIV may feel a lot of guilt about how they might have put themselves or others at risk for this disease. Some might feel it is a punishment for bad behavior that they engaged in in the past. Others may feel guilty for depending on others. It is important that persons feeling guilt try to understand their self worth and try to free themselves from the burden of this guilt. Talking about it with someone they trust, joining a support group or talking to others who are affected can sometimes help.
Anxiety, Fear and Uncertainty
Fear is another common emotion that persons with HIV or AIDS might have. Fear of the unknown, fear of being rejected and fear of being out of control are all common feelings one might have with a serious illness like HIV. Uncertainty is linked to all of the emotions that go along with getting a diagnosis like HIV. There is uncertainty about one's health, about the future, about the medications and about the experience one might have with the illness. It is important to turn this fear and uncertainty into control by learning about the disease, treatments and what to expect. There are many ways to deal with anxiety and stress such as joining a support group, talking to someone or doing relaxation exercises. If nothing helps, it is important to talk to your doctor or counselor.
References
- "The Guide to Living With HIV Infection"; John G. Bartlett, M.D. and Ann K. Finkbeiner; 2006
- Survivorship A to Z: Emotions
