ኤች አይ ቪ ስላለብኝ በአእምሮዬ ጤንነት ላይ ምን ተጽዕኖ ያሳድራል?

How can being HIV+ affect my mental health?

The HIV/AID epidemic wiped out an entire generation in the 80s and 90s.  Today, while becoming HIV+ can still be a traumatic event in a person’s life, it no longer has to be a death sentence.  HIV treatment has improved and there are fewer drug side effects. However, becoming positive can still affect a person’s life and mental health in a meaningful way.  

Each person will have a unique reaction to becoming positive.  For some, there will be a shame, depression, or anxiety. For others, it may seem like a relief.  Listen to yourself and be really honest about whether or not becoming positive has an impact on your mental health, relationships, or self-esteem.

It’s important to remember that whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with HIV for a while, there is support out there and you are not alone. 

This is a topic that deserves continued conversation and hopefully, we can work together to end the stigma around living with HIV today.