Coping with the result

Scream, shout, cry, laugh, hide, run away, feel numb, scared, lonely, relieved. How did you think you would react to a positive result before you actually had the test? Were you right?

Reaction to the result is different for everyone. Over time, you'll find a way of dealing with it that suits you, but it might be quite different to the way other people cope with it. Try and think about living - thousands of other people live full and rewarding lives despite this virus, you can do it too.

Your first action as a person living with HIV is make a choice, what to do next. The choices won't stop there; making the right ones to enrich and extend your life might play an increasing part in every new day. This page is about giving you the choice to take control, make informed decisions, and get on with your life.

It's not easy

No one ever suggested any of this would be easy. If you need time and space to think your situation through, make it. Whatever you're going through is natural. How you deal with this news is up to you. HIV is threatening your existence, so it's alright to be angry. If you are scared express your fears. Don't be hard on yourself and don't force yourself to be strong if you don't want to be.

Stress is natural and affects to your emotions. Stress can help you to deal with some situations. However, excessive stress can cause physical symptoms, it can damage your immune system and make you ill. Take stock and find ways of managing the stress in your life. Find ways to relax and recharge your batteries. Listen to your body; if you are tired, rest and you'll be better for it.

Choose things that work for you

HIV can bring anxieties. One way of tackling this is through getting information, by learning about your condition, gaining confidence in it, in yourself and making informed choices for your future.

Alternatively, you might choose to ignore the diagnosis (but remember it won't go away) and just carry on with your life. It's your life, you choose.

You don't have to do anything. If you don't find that taking control works for you, fine. That's just as valid as any other approach.

Do what works for you.

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