HIV AND MENTAL HEALTH
World AIDS Day takes place on 1st December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to reunite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away — there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education regarding the disease.
Behind every chronic illness is just a person trying to find their way in the world. We want to find love and be loved and be happy just like you. We want to be successful and do something that matters. We’re just dealing with unwanted limitations in our hero’s journey.” –People with HIV/AIDS are at higher risk for mental health disorders.
Glen Schweitzer
One of the most common mental health conditions that people living with HIV face is depression. Depression can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms of depression can affect day-to-day functioning. Both HIV-related medical conditions and HIV medications can contribute to depression.
Studies on HIV have shown that HIV positive people are at risk for developing mood, anxiety and various other cognitive disorders. When people get their report in their hand they tend to get depression, they suffer from mood swings, these conditions are treatable and most people with mental health conditions recover completely.
Some forms of stress can contribute to mental health problems for people living with HIV.
- Having trouble getting the services they need when they test positive for HIV.
- Worries whether they will get the requisite treatment or no.
- Their need for social support increases, and they are apprehensive about the extent they will receive.
- Fear of loss of employment and performance worry.
- Going through changes in physical appearance and abilities due to HIV/aids can only add to their distress.
The role of a counsellor is very important for treating mental health of HIV positive clients. This infection is treated using a combination of medicines called antiretroviral therapy. In some cases these medicines also affect mental health. The medicine is to be continued for a lifetime. Non-compliance of medicine can lead to reappearance of symptoms .
Adequate adherence to treatment can be difficult at times for HIV positive patients,but in government sector, the ICTC and ART Counsellor play a very important role to assist and counsel them to follow regular treatment.
