DEPRESSION,
ANXIETY & MORE
Living with HIV can sometimes be emotionally challenging, and it is important to know that if you begin to experience any mental health challenges that you are certainly not alone. It is not uncommon to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression or other challenges. Please note that some of these challenges may be side effects of your Antiretroviral medication. In those cases, it is wise to speak to your doctor for guidance. This, however, only happens to a small number of people, and typically goes away within a few weeks of treatment.
Here are some physical and emotional symptoms of both depression and anxiety that you may wish to look out for.
LEARN THE FACTS About MENTAL HEALTH
Depression
Anxiety
As you may see above, there are some similarities between anxiety and depression. The more important difference is that depression is usually accompanied by sadness and a loss of interest in engaging with others, while anxiety is not.
It is often common for people to try to numb these feelings via the following behaviours:
If you would like to develop healthy coping mechanisms, please feel free to open up to the social worker who is assigned to your Treatment site. You can also try some of the R.E.C.E.S.S strategies.
If you think you may be depressed, and are having thoughts of self-harm, or suicide, please call Lifeline. Their contact numbers are 800-5588 | 866-5433 | 220-3636
You can learn more about their 24/7 services on their website: https://findcarett.com/lifeline
Additionally, to receive additional referrals to address any other mental health concerns or to speak with someone on the National HIV Helpline, please call 800-4HIV or 800-4448. (This is a toll-free number)
You are not alone. #youarenotalonett
Other Mental Health Challenges
As you may have seen previously, there are some similarities between anxiety and depression. The more important difference is that depression is usually accompanied by sadness and a loss of interest in engaging with others, while anxiety is not.
It is often common for people to try to numb these feelings via the following behaviours:
If you would like to develop healthy coping mechanisms, please feel free to open up to the social worker who is assigned to your Treatment site. You can also try some of the R.E.C.E.S.S strategies.
If you think you may be depressed, and are having thoughts of self-harm, or suicide, please call Lifeline. Their contact numbers are 800-5588 | 866-5433 | 220-3636
You can learn more about their 24/7 services on their website: https://findcarett.com/lifeline
Additionally, to receive additional referrals to address any other mental health concerns or to speak with someone on the National HIV Helpline, please call 800-4HIV or 800-4448. (This is a toll-free number)
You are not alone. #youarenotalonett
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