HIV/AIDS and Mental Health

What is HIV/Aids?

HIV(human immunodeficiency virus) can lead to Aids(acquired immune deficiency syndrome). HIV destroys the red blood cells called CD4+7 that helps the body fight diseases. This means that your body's immune system is compromised. According to the South African government, the estimated overall HIV prevalence rate among the South African population is approximately 12,6%. The total number of people living with HIV is estimated at approximately 7,06 million in 2017. For adults aged 15–49 years, an estimated 18,0% of the population is HIV positive.

HIV testing is provided for free at all government clinics. Check out health sites to find your nearest clinic that provides antiretroviral treatment. Health Sites(link is external)

How does HIV/Aids affect mental health?

There are many situations that can contribute to mental health problems for people living with HIV such as:

• Having trouble getting mental health services

• Experiencing a loss of social support, resulting in isolation

• Experiencing a loss of employment or worries about being able to perform at work

• Having to tell others about an HIV diagnosis

• Managing HIV medicines and medical treatment

• Dealing with loss, including the loss of relationships or the death of loved ones

• Facing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS

What is HIV Stigma?

HIV stigma is negative attitudes and beliefs about people with HIV. It is the prejudice that comes with labeling an individual as part of a group that is believed to be socially unacceptable.

Here are a few examples:

• Believing that only certain groups of people can get HIV

• Making moral judgments about people who take steps to prevent HIV transmission

• Feeling that people deserve to get HIV because of their choices

Unfortunately, people suffering with HIV/Aids are more likely to feel depressed, isolated and experience discrimination. After a person is diagnosed with HIV, he or she often suffers from fear of being stigmatized or fear to disclose. This usually has traumatic effects. Therefore support groups and peer groups are necessary to control the effects of fear. Reflecting on the statements mentioned above, it can be argued that the psychological impact of HIV arise mostly from a lack of support, knowledge, care and acknowledgment from family, friends and healthcare workers. Family and peer group support is very important because not only does it provide mental, economic and social stability to the people living with HIV, it also decreases the stresses they encounter.

Where to find help:

SADAG Mental Health Line

011 234 4837

Suicide Crisis Line

0800 567 567

References:

Remien, R. H., Stirratt, M. J., Nguyen, N., Robbins, R. N., Pala, A. N., & Mellins, C. A. (2019). Mental health and HIV/AIDS: the need for an integrated response. AIDS (London, England), 33(9), 1411.

WARNING

You may think that you recognize certain symptoms and/or disorders in yourself and others while reading this information! Please do not diagnose yourself because you will probably cause yourself unnecessary stress and distress. You are also, by law not allowed to make a diagnosis, as only registered Psychologists and Psychiatrists may do so.