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Managing Your Health, 1999 edition

Emotional and Spiritual Support

TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEALTH when you have HIV isn't just a matter of finding a good doctor, getting the latest treatment, and taking care of your body. You also need to take care of yourself emotionally, mentally, spiritually, sexually, and socially. People are usually shocked to find out that they're HIV positive. “I can't believe this is happening to me!” is a common reaction. Some days you may have more feelings than you can deal with. You may feel angry, depressed, afraid, or sad. And you may find that these feelings change from one minute to the next. This is completely normal.

Talking about your feelings can be really helpful, although it's not always easy. You may feel overwhelmed by your emotions and unable to express them. It's important to deal with your emotions in a way you're comfortable with. Different people – and people from different cultures – deal with emotions in different ways.

Some people find it helpful to write about their feelings. Others talk and cry with friends, relatives, or community elders, or join
support groups or try different forms of therapy. Some find it helpful to keep busy and not think about themselves too much. Organized religion, traditional aboriginal spirituality, meditation, and other ways of exploring spirituality can help.
Finding out about HIV and AIDS, and getting involved politically, can also be helpful.


Use as many different supports as you need.

Many people living with HIV/AIDS find renewed purpose and deeper values as they come to terms with the effects of HIV on their lives. You may feel strength and a sense of accomplishment in your ability to take care of yourself. This can depend on many things, including your personal circumstances and history, what kind of support you get from family and friends, what kinds of services you get, and how much HIV is affecting your daily life.

Related links

The Positive Side

Practical Guides

Decisions about particular medical treatments should always be made in consultation with a qualified medical practitioner who is knowledgeable about HIV-related illness and the treatments in question. MORE

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