Living with HIV: Navigating Mental Health Challenges and Finding Suppor

An HIV diagnosis can be frightening and change how you navigate the future, but it doesn’t mean you have to lose hope. While an HIV diagnosis may put you at a higher risk for some mental health conditions, it’s important to remember there is treatment - and hope. There are a variety of behavioral health services that can be incorporated into your HIV management plan, ranging from individual and family therapy to treatment with psychiatric medication. Living with HIV can affect your mental health in many ways, and understanding why this happens can help prepare you to get the support you need to protect your well-being.

Why is HIV linked to mental health conditions?  

1. Stress. There is a significant amount of stress associated with HIV diagnosis, and this stress increases the risk of developing mental health conditions. According to research published in the AIDS medical journal, 55.1% of people living with HIV have at least one mental health condition, while only 46.4% of the general population will have a mental health condition during their lifetime.  
2. Stigma and discrimination. People living with HIV often internalize the stigma associated with HIV, which can cause them to develop a negative self-image. They may also experience discrimination because of their diagnosis, which contributes to negative self-image and mental health.  
3. Side effects of medication. Some HIV medications can cause symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as sleep disturbances, which can worsen mental health. Remember that not all medications have the same side effects: consult with your provider to discuss your concerns and they can help decide which medications will be the best fit for you.  
4. Immune response. HIV activates the immune system in the brain and central nervous system, which can lead to chronic inflammation and changes in a person’s behavior.

Common mental health issues faced by HIV positive people: 

1. Depression. People with HIV are twice as likely as people without HIV to be diagnosed with depression. 
2. Anxiety. People with HIV tend to experience anxiety disorders more than the general population and some HIV medications can cause anxiety symptoms. 
3. Post-traumatic stress disorder. The relationship between trauma and HIV goes two ways: people with HIV are more likely to develop PTSD and people with PTSD are more likely to develop HIV.

Coping with your diagnosis

Individual therapy can help people living with HIV learn to better understand their diagnosis, become more active in their treatment process, and advocate for themselves in a variety of settings. Feelings of grief are common in individuals recently diagnosed with HIV, and therapists can help them process these feelings. Therapists can also assist people living with HIV in deciding who to tell about their diagnosis and how to do it, as well as what to do if they receive negative reactions.

Some patients living with HIV may also be prescribed medication to help manage their anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. Group interventions, like in-person or online support groups, can help reduce feelings of grief and isolation. Studies have also shown that attending support groups can play a part in reducing the frequency and severity of HIV-related mental health symptoms and increasing consistent participation in HIV treatment.

Looking for a support group? Start here: 

• The AIDS Outreach Center in Fort Worth offers multiple support groups for people with HIV, including “Seasoned Survivors,” which is for adults over the age of 50 who are living plus. 
• Tarrant County Public Health has a virtual support group  for women with HIV called “B Positive” that meets every first and third Wednesday of the month from 10-11am. 
• TherapyTribe offers virtual support groups for people with HIV and functions as a social networking site with forums and chat rooms. 
• Prism Health North Texas offers a variety of in- person support groups in Dallas, including “Sistas Healing Sistas” for women living with HIV, which meets bimonthly on Thursdays from 5:30-7pm. 
• The Loft holds multiple virtual support groups, including “One Voice: LGBTQ+ HIV/AIDS Support Group,” which is held virtually on the last Thursday of each month from 6-7pm, and open to anyone 18+ living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Supporting a loved one who has tested positive

If someone you care about has recently disclosed their HIV-positive status to you, you can offer meaningful support in the following ways: 

1. Respect their trust. When someone tells you they are living with HIV, they are expressing a large amount of trust in you, so it is important to make it clear to them that you will keep this information private. 
2. Educate yourself. Learning more about HIV can help you support your loved ones and their community in a time of need. 
3. Remain inclusive and caring. Ask them how you can help them, hang out with them like you always have, and check in regularly to make sure they know the conversation is always open. 
4. Encourage treatment adherence. Support them in staying on top of their treatment to help them stay healthy and work toward becoming undetectable and untransmittable. 
5. Seek support from professionals. Consider family or couple's therapy or attend support groups  for people living with HIV and their loved ones.

By supporting a loved one who is living with HIV, you are playing a key role in their journey toward healing and well-being. Never forget that your compassion and understanding can have a lasting, positive impact. If you or your loved one need additional support, consider taking advantage of our behavioral health services. We offer a variety of mental health resources, ranging from individual and family/couple’s therapy to medication management. Click this link to get connected to care!