This article is part ofHealth Divide: HIV, a destination in our Health Divide series.Julie Bang / VerywellVerywell Health: How do I stay mentally healthy with an HIV diagnosis?Dr. Elopre: Unfortunately, we’re still living in a time when HIV can be a very traumaticdiagnosis. A lot of that is related to the stigma and lack of education, especially in the general population, about HIV and the advances we’ve made in regards to treatment and care.I always recommend that when you’ve been diagnosed with HIV or if you’re concerned about a potential diagnosis, that you ask for counseling services. Most clinics, especially clinics that have Ryan White funding from theU.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, have counselors on hand that can help you through the process of accepting your diagnosis and learning how to live and communicate with loved ones about your diagnosis.The other thing you can do to stay mentally healthy is to empower and educate yourself about HIV. If you know how to take yourmedicationsand you understand that taking your medications every day means you can be virally suppressed, which impacts your future life and goals, I think that can help you live with your diagnosis.The Link Between HIV and Mental Health
This article is part ofHealth Divide: HIV, a destination in our Health Divide series.
Julie Bang / Verywell
Verywell Health: How do I stay mentally healthy with an HIV diagnosis?
Dr. Elopre: Unfortunately, we’re still living in a time when HIV can be a very traumaticdiagnosis. A lot of that is related to the stigma and lack of education, especially in the general population, about HIV and the advances we’ve made in regards to treatment and care.
I always recommend that when you’ve been diagnosed with HIV or if you’re concerned about a potential diagnosis, that you ask for counseling services. Most clinics, especially clinics that have Ryan White funding from theU.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, have counselors on hand that can help you through the process of accepting your diagnosis and learning how to live and communicate with loved ones about your diagnosis.
The other thing you can do to stay mentally healthy is to empower and educate yourself about HIV. If you know how to take yourmedicationsand you understand that taking your medications every day means you can be virally suppressed, which impacts your future life and goals, I think that can help you live with your diagnosis.
The Link Between HIV and Mental Health
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.HIV.gov.What is HIV stigma?National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.10 Things to know about HIV suppression.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.HIV.gov.What is HIV stigma?National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.10 Things to know about HIV suppression.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
HIV.gov.What is HIV stigma?National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.10 Things to know about HIV suppression.
HIV.gov.What is HIV stigma?
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.10 Things to know about HIV suppression.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
