When a loved one is diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, the feeling can be overwhelming. Concerns about the health of the diagnosed person, as well as questions about treatment begin to rain down on the heads of all those concerned. To best care for the individual with HIV/AIDS, it is helpful to understand what they are going through, and what can be expected in terms of their general health and demeanor. Aids and HIV counseling helps families immensely during this time, but it is important to know the following before enrolling in the program:
Mental Health and HIV/AIDS
There are three primary ways that an HIV/AIDS diagnosis can affect the mental health of the individual:
The diagnosis itself can cause emotional distress, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
The disease can affect the proper functioning of the brain, often causing memory loss and disorientation.The medication the individual is taking may have psychological side effects that impede proper functioning of the brain.
In all three cases, it is absolutely vital that the family of the individual seek information from a mental health professional for more information about how to cope with these changes, and provide care and support for the individual with HIV or AIDS.
Drug Addiction and HIV/AIDS
While it is common knowledge that illicit drug use – especially when sharing needles – puts the individual at a high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. What is less known is that many individuals who been diagnoses with HIV/AIDS turn to substance abuse as a means for coping with their situation. This can lead to addiction, which can be a significant detriment to effective treatment of the virus. Those abusing drugs are less likely to maintain good health and habits – and may take substances that interfere with their own medications for HIV. Family members are urged to watch for the warning signs of drug addiction in those who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
The Stress of an HIV/AIDS diagnosis
It is common for those who have received an AIDS or HIV diagnosis to feel great stress and anxiety. Questions of one’s own mortality, along with the new regimens and lifestyle changes required to fight the disease can lead individuals to feel isolated, distressed and generally anxious. For many, a solution to this anxiety can come from holistic practices including:
These traditional exercises give the individual a chance to experience serenity and focus as they cope with their illness and move forward through treatment.
In sum, the world of medicine has made great strides in its treatment of HIV or AIDS. A diagnosis that was once considered a “death sentence”, now enjoys a high success rate for treatment. That does not mean, however, that there is still not a great deal of stress associated with the disease. Families who cope well with AIDS and HIV are those that have the best understanding of the challenges associated with it, and support the individual in question to the fullest.
At Moonview Sanctuary, the expert holistic counselors on staff are committed to helping individuals and their families get through this difficult time. By employing proven-successful coping strategies for those with HIV or AIDS, Moonview helps the individual maintain a strong mind, body and spirit – giving them the strength to combat the disease, or in more dire cases, cope with the experience of a terminal illness. Anyone wishing to gain control of their lives after receiving an AIDS/HIV diagnosis, is urged to contact Moonview Sanctuary today and find out more about the Transformational Health programs.