Threatening mental health disorders of HIV/AIDS patient
Mental health of individual is important for good living.
It is a state of overall happiness in which every individual understands his or
her own capabilities, can cope with the normal anxieties of life, and can work efficiently.
When a person is gripped under dreaded disease HIV, he/she
needs to take good care of physical health and mental health. HIV, or human
immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that leads to AIDS. Individuals who suffer
from HIV are at high risk for developing range of mental disorders such as mood,
anxiety, and cognitive disorders. They may also undergo other mental ailment
like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts,
and insomnia.
Stresses that can trigger to mental health problems for
HIV patients, include:
-
Having trouble in getting the services they
need.
-
They do not get social support and in turn
live in isolation.
-
HIV patients may loss job that leads to
intense stress.
-
HIV patients are hesitant to tell others they
are HIV positive and it creates stress.
-
They develop stress in managing HIV medicines.
-
Patients are stressed as they undergo changes
in physical appearance or abilities due to HIV/AIDS.
-
Finally, patients of HIV face the stigma and
discrimination related with HIV/AIDS.
In order to avoid multiple mental disorders, HIV treatment
should be initiated at the earliest when they get infected, it will help to
achieve the best health outcomes. Once they are diagnosed, HIV infection is
treated using a blend of medicines known as antiretroviral therapy (ART).
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND)
HIV/AIDS and some medications to treat HIV may adversely
impact on patient’s brain. It may cause problems with thinking, emotions, and
movement. Patients may grip in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND).
In this mental ailment, patients show following symptoms:
-
Amnesia
-
Confusion
-
Difficulty paying attention
-
Sudden swings in mood or behaviour
-
Muscle weakness
-
Clumsiness
HIV patients who suffer from mental disorders, such as not
getting enjoyment, persistent sadness or feeling empty, anxious or stressed and
have suicidal thoughts must seek advice of psychiatrists,
therapists and mental health professionals. Mental health treatment may
lessen depression and anxiety, improve adherence and HIV health outcomes and, sequentially,
decrease the probability of death from AIDS.
Effective
coping strategies to deal with severe mental disorder:
For HIV patients, it is natural to show emotional
reaction such as anxiety, anger, or depression. To cope up in such situations,
patients are advised to talk about their feelings with their psychiatrists,
physicians, friends, family members, or other supportive people. HIV patients
have to explore some activities that can help them to release stress. It is
always good to sleep well. They must engage themselves in relaxation methods such
as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. It is suggested to develop good dietary
habits. They should limit the amount of caffeine and nicotine, eat healthy
meals in small quantity at short intervals, throughout the day. HIV patients
may join a support group.
In concluding remark, it is demonstrated in mental
reports that there is a high occurrence of HIV infection in people with serious
chronic mental disorders. HIV/AIDS enforces a substantial psychological burden.
People with HIV often undergo with depression and anxiety and have problems to live
with a chronic fatal illness. HIV infection can be related with high risk of
suicide or attempted suicide. These patients need proper care, medication and
effective therapies to manage their life.
Comments
Post a Comment