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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Being poz for 30+ years.

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Edmore, MI

Hi all, I was wondering if people who have been poz for 30+ years can help a fellow member. @A myHIVteam Member is dealing with some depression and knowing you have been through a lot during the AIDS crisis with everything, depression, friends dying, discrimination and the list goes on, I was hoping you can give @A myHIVteam Member some words of advice on how you all cope and coped with this dreadful disease.
Thank you in advance.

July 19, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members who have been living with HIV for 30-plus years rallied around a community member struggling with depression, sharing how they've... Read more

Members who have been living with HIV for 30-plus years rallied around a community member struggling with depression, sharing how they've navigated decades of loss, stigma, and uncertainty by building support networks, maintaining faith, seeking therapy when needed, and taking life one day at a time. Several members emphasized the importance of reframing HIV as a manageable medical condition rather than a death sentence, noting that modern treatments have transformed the virus from something fatal into something that can be lived with while undetectable, and urging others to focus on what they have rather than what they've lost. A recurring theme was the power of connection, whether through support groups, spirituality, helping others, or simply talking feelings out with trusted people, alongside the reminder that depression is a real and common side effect of both the virus and some medications, making professional mental health support crucial for many.

A myHIVteam Member

Whether you've been positive for 1 month or 100 years depression will creep its ugly head, no matter how you try to disguise it, please know........ this virus and some of its medications,...do affect our brain cells and depression is one of the side effects produced in people that are hiv-positive ... talk to your doctor and/ or therapist ...it may be time to prescribe some medications or therapy You are not alone 🤗

July 20, 2019 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

Hello Serious I been poz for 32 years I understand what you're going through is not easy take care your self one day at a time don't give up now we have better medicine From the year i was poz I don't know how long you been poz never give up we're here to support each other with love ❤️ and understanding we're a family Im praying for a miracle from God for a cure for everyone in this world 🌎 never lose faith thas all we have try to walk take your medicine God bless you hope you feel better soon have a blessed weekend 🤗🤗🤗🙏🙏🙏

July 19, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

Hi, I have been poz now for more than half my life, and I will say that depression is a terrible condition that has been a companion to me for quite a while. It's so important to have people to talk to, including a professional--seek out someone to talk to, maybe find a group if one's available. Support helps a lot in keeping me grounded. I also recommend seeing a mental health/medical professional who can prescribe antidepressants, which I credit with saving my life.

July 22, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I just realized it will be 20 years because I was diagnosed in 2000. Wow!! But that depression is the worst. Some days are bad some are good. I absolutely agree with people saying it really doesn't matter now long its been because we all deal with depression.

July 20, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

This is year 40 for me. The most valuable suggestion I can offer you is to surround yourself with kind and loving friends. Talk your feelings out or they rust inside. Seek a spiritual path of any persuasion. Take your med on time always.
It's not easy but it is possible to live a normal healthy lifestyle, with some alterations.
I quit smoking and using drugs over 21 years ago. Made a huge boost to my immune system.
I hope this helps.
Focus on what you have and you'll get more whether it's the good or the bad in your life.

July 20, 2019 (edited)

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