Hiv & Anxiety... It's Normal To Worry When You Have Hiv.

http://www.myhivaidsawareness.com

http://www.myhivaidsawareness.com

Kelly Markell

There are times when fear is good. It must keep its watchful place at the heart's controls. ~Aeschylus

Have you ever experienced a situation similar to the one described below?

You are set for your monthly doctor visit. You have been feeling good, taking your meds, working out, and eating well. You stepped into the office and then backed out. The mere sight of it gave you the creeps. After a short while, you tried to step back in and couldnt. You felt light-headed and your heartbeat started to go crazy. It sent chills up your spine. You felt the urge to run but you couldnt your difficult breathing left you immobilized.

What can we do about our fears? Can we stop them? Is there a way to use them to our advantage?

Fear is really designed to warn you. It is your bodys security alarm to keep you from stepping into unknown territory unprepared. If you re-discover the true role of fear in your life, you will find there are good fears that lead to a 'better safe than sorry' approach or vigilance in dealing with your HIV status.

Fear is not meant to stop you, it could be used as a means to warn you to be prepared. Fear tells you to think twice before you step out and do something you will regret later. It gives you time or another chance to think so that you can make better decisions and take fewer risks. This is the correct perspective on fear.

For instance, it is perfectly natural to fear getting an HIV test. It is not the test that is the real fear it is the chance of the positive result. This fear can make you extra careful about the choices in your sex life.

We are also programmed to fear becoming ill or injured, especially the unknown factor in being able to take care of ourselves. This is not to stop us from living each day, but to keep us from doing things that could hurt us. This natural self-preservation is a huge motivating factor in choosing a healthy lifestyle and limiting the risky behaviors associated with HIV infection.

Since the discovery of AIDS in the early 80s, thousands of people infected with the disease have reported what is now commonly referred to as AIDS panic, becoming overwhelmed with feelings of worry and fear about the disease. In fact, up to 70% of people with HIV report persistent anxiety symptoms, and up to 40% meet the criteria for anxiety disorder. As the disease progresses, so does the onset of anxiety and feelings of worry or stress, especially if you already suffers from an anxiety disorder.

Here are just a few normal fears associated with HIV:

Fear of the unknown - If you don't know much about HIV and what happens in your body, you might be afraid.

Fear of changes in your status - When your tests are good, you are doing great. But your viral load could go up on the next doctor visit and you worry.

Fear of disclosure - Could somebody at work find out? Will that make a difference with your boss? It is nature to be concerned about what others might think, say or do if they found out your status.

Fear of symptoms You might get obsessed with each and every twitch or minor illness that you experience because of what it might mean to your HIV. You spend a great deal of itme taking your temperature, checking your lymph nodes and searching for signs of infection.

Anxiety starts with persistent worrying and causes a disturbance in your mood and emotional life. Mild to moderate anxiety is nothing unusual after a major life event like becoming HIV positive. But fears and anxiety can get out of control and take over your world if you dont deal with them.

But the good news is that anxiety and panic disorders are treatable and you or your loved one can conquer those feelings of anxiety.

For people suffering from anxiety and/or panic disorders and HIV/AIDS, it is recommended that they seek out ways to deal with the condition without using medication. Although, choosing to treat anxiety with medication does not necessarily mean an increased pill burden for life; short-term use of medications is an effective anti-anxiety intervention for many people.

Understanding more about HIV/AIDS and what to expect, finding a doctor that you or your loved one is comfortable with and trust is important when working to establish a plan to get rid of anxiety and panic. It is important to work together with a doctor who, along with a strong support system of family and friends, will work as part of your team get to the root of your worries and fears.

Want to know more about fear and anxiety and how to use it to your advantage?

Please make sure you get on my mailing list by putting your email address in the box to the upper right or go to http://myhivaidsawareness.com. I'll have some more information about HIV fear and anxiety coming your way very soon!

http://www.myhivaidsawareness.com

Kelly Markell

by: Kelly Markell

POST COMMENT

Try Controlling Anxiety With Reloramax Gabatrol anxiety relief - Results you can expect Yet Another Tool To Help You Relieve Anxiety Anxiety Attacks Facts That You Need to Know Natural Supplement Way to Get Anxiety and Stress Relief What Is The Linden Method For Anxiety What Can Cause Anxiety And The Way Does The Linden Method Treat Anxiety? Normal Anxiety Vs Problem Anxiety Acupuncture And Anxiety Keeping Anxiety Attacks At Bay How To Cope With Anxiety Buy Alprazolam(xanax) For Anti-anxiety How Are Omega 3 and Anxiety Connected To Each Other?