Some Tips On Coping With An Hiv Diagnosis

By Author: Louie Dale
Total Articles: 104
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HIV is running rampant across the globe and more people get infected with each passing day. The news that you are HIV positive is news that no person wants to get and many face enormous psychological challenges after getting the diagnosis that they are HIV positive. HIV is a condition that affects the rest of your life as well as the lives of those that you regularly come into contact with and not everyone is able to cope with the diagnosis and all its implications. Here are a few tips that may help you cope with your diagnosis if you are struggling.Knowledge is powerThis is a well known saying and it definitely applies to HIV. The more a person knows about the condition and its implications and side effects the less it should scare them as they are more prepared to deal with the consequences. There are many courses and a lot of information on the internet that is readily available to the average person. Most medical institutions will have some kind of information pack to give to you when they give you the diagnosis. Make sure that you read through and understand all of the information that you are presented with. This way, ...
... when something happens you are aware of what it is and what it means. This will make it a lot less intimidating and you will feel more in control of your life.Counselling and supportStudies indicate that people who have a solid support system in their lives deal a lot better with a diagnosis of HIV infection than those who are to all intents and purposes on their own. You need to have someone to discuss your fears and concerns with that will support you and listen to you without judging you. If the person you turn to has experience in dealing with these fears then they will be even better equipped for helping you deal with your fears and concerns. Avoid those who do not understand and stand in judgment of those who are infected with the virus. These people will only break down your already shaken self confidence which does not help you cope with the condition.Get treatmentStudies indicate that antiretroviral therapy is very effective at helping those infected with HIV live longer and healthier lives as it slows the effects of the virus on the immune system. The earlier you are able to start the treatment the better since the damage the virus does increases with time and the speed with which it does the damage increases over time. You can boost the effects of the treatment by living a healthy lifestyle. Make sure that you get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet.HIV is no longer the short term death sentence that it was not too many years ago. It is possible to live a much longer and healthier life than was expected a few years ago. This does not mean you should not be afraid though, it is quite alright to be afraid but you need to keep the fear from controlling your life and learn to cope with your diagnosis.