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I don’t want to pry into anyone business but if anyone would like to share, I’d like to know how you handled first getting diagnosed, the feeling of complete loneliness, disappointment, depression and other feelings and what made you bounce back to your normal self. Also if you are still struggling with things..and how are you coping. Do you have a good support system?

May 14
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myHIVteam

What a beautiful and generous question to ask — wanting to connect and support others while navigating your own journey takes real courage and heart.

Many people living with HIV describe the early days after diagnosis as an emotional whirlwind. Some of the most common feelings shared by myHIVteam members include:

- Fear Show Full Answer

What a beautiful and generous question to ask — wanting to connect and support others while navigating your own journey takes real courage and heart.

Many people living with HIV describe the early days after diagnosis as an emotional whirlwind. Some of the most common feelings shared by myHIVteam members include:

- Fear and vulnerability
- Loneliness and isolation
- Sadness or depression
- Anger about the diagnosis
- Bargaining — hoping things might somehow change

These feelings are completely valid and very normal. In fact, many people describe going through stages of grief after being diagnosed, and those stages don't always happen in a neat order — some feelings come back around more than once. One myHIVteam member shared: *"I found out I was HIV positive and it was kind of a head-spinner for me, learning how to cope — but I feel great and I am extremely blessed to have an amazing family and friends who support me."*

Another myHIVteam member reflected: *"I'm still a person worthy of love and acceptance and HIV doesn't change that."*

Having a strong support system — whether friends, family, a therapist, or a support group — can make a huge difference in bouncing back and finding a new normal. If building that support system feels overwhelming, here are some practical starting points:

- Talk to your doctor honestly about how you're feeling emotionally, not just physically
- Ask for a referral to a therapist or support group
- Lean on trusted people in your life for small, concrete things like appointments or just talking things through
- Be patient with yourself — healing emotionally takes time, just like anything else

You are absolutely not alone in this. 💙

May 14
A myHIVteam Member

Hello, I was diagnosed just this past January, 2026. It caught me completely alone because I lost my parents last year. I had severe depression and weighed only 35 kilos. The doctor thought I was going to die, but God wanted me to live. I'm terrified of what might happen during those lonely nights, which is why I have to take sleeping pills. It's all very hard.

Hola a mí me diagnosticaron apenas en enero de este año 2026 me agarró completamente sola pues el año pasado perdí a mis padres llevaba una depresión grave legue a pesar 35 kilos el médico me daba por muerta pero Dios quiso que siguiera vivo con miedo de que pasara en las noches de soledad sobre pienso por éso debo tomar pastillas para dormir es muy duro todo ésto

May 16
A myHIVteam Member

Do you ask the recent diagnosed because you want a quick snap back? The truth is there is no quick way. Everyone handles it differently and the time depends on you. Diagnosed in 21 I still remember those first days. I was recently separated and had no family I could confide in. I was lost and distraction was my go to. Work, friends, family, business as usual, I felt normal. Inside I felt alone just taking my pills and smoking my budd, depression caught up to me the first time life forced me to sit down. An auto accident hurt my leg 2yrs after diagnosed and with my distractions gone, I realized I needed help accepting who I was, and to mourn who I was no longer again. 2 years after the fact is when my self healing process truely started. Finding someone to talk to will be a great help. I went Professional but if you have a friend/family member that could be better. You don't have to tell everyone but having an outlet to discuss your worries is beneficial. My ex told his whole family and to this day they are his biggest supporter pushing him to be the best him. I didnt have that and thats OK if you dont either. But do find support. Also find things you love to do. Hobbies or career wise, just remember to put yourself in places where you feel seen and appreciated. Your quality of life can still be the same If you allow it to be so. Even casual sex when your ready and preferably undetectable, can be an option. You just can no longer donate blood and your inner voice doordashed a megaphone. You might feel different internally but to the outside world your smile is still a sign of a good time. You might be single now but a partner can come, poz or not finding love requires some effort. And to be happy requires some level of self awareness. You get right with yourself first and the world will follow.

May 16
A myHIVteam Member

Islandguy250 I’m just at 3 weeks. Life has been an emotional roller coaster so far. There have been more questions than answers, lots of disbelief/disappointment, and definitely the feeling of being alone. I’m trying to stay positive but it’s really hard. Especially at night when I’m all alone with my thoughts. Im hoping it will get a little better after I meet with the specialist next week. Anyway if you need to chat feel free to message me.

May 16
A myHIVteam Member

Well I was messing around with a girl for a few weeks and she had decided to introduce me to her son. I found out I had hiv soon after. Told her. That was that.

Once I was undetectable a couple months later she wanted nothing to do with me. Never spoke to me again.

And that was my beginning to this bs.

May 16

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