Velisha Thompson of the City of Johannesburg writes:
The festive season is approaching and many us of are usually stressed about exam results, finances, family, etc, but finding out if you or your partner is positive can be the most distressing.
Studies have shown that HIV-positive people were more likely to be suffering from depression or a major depressive disorder as those who are HIV-negative. It is extremely important for an HIV-positive person to take care of their mental health.
Depression in HIV-positive patients can lower the immunity and may have reduced adherence to ARV’s. The disease can also progress quicker.
Antidepressant medication is effective and can be used in HIV-positive patients. Psychotherapy has also shown to reduce the lowered immunity experienced by depressed patients.
It is equally important for patients to lead a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods (fruit and vegetables, lean meat, nuts, etc), exercising in moderation and reducing stress.
What if I have a partner who is HIV-positive?
It is important to disclose your status to your partner before starting a physical relationship. It may be difficult to disclose this information, especially if you love and care for your partner deeply, but it is crucial that you do.
Using condoms should be the standard rule if you are HIV-positive. You can also explore other ways of being intimate with your partner without having sex. It does put a strain on any relationship, but communicating openly is what assists a ‘healthy’ relationship.
If you live with someone that is positive, it does not mean that you are at risk of contracting HIV. You can share utensils, bathrooms, beds or drink and eat from the same dishes without contracting the virus.
HIV/Aids is real and so you need to take care of yourself. You can be exposed to HIV/Aids by having unprotected sex – oral, anal or vaginal penetration without a condom or by blood contact through an open wound, blood in the eyes, human bite, or contact with an infected needle or blood.
Sexual exposure poses the greatest risk of being infected. It is important that our children are also made aware of the risks, especially as now children are becoming sexually active from a younger age. Children should be educated about HIV.
Educate yourself on HIV/Aids – it could save your life!!
