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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.

How do overcome big depression getting old with physical mental changes challenge+HIV? I dare to ask what is Hope & what does it mean?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Falls Church, VA

I am an long-term survivor since 1996 straight female

3 days ago
 · 
Reactions
myHIVteam

First, surviving since 1996 is genuinely remarkable — you've lived through some of the hardest chapters of this epidemic, and that takes incredible strength. Asking about hope isn't daring, it's brave. And it matters deeply.

Depression is very real for long-term survivors. The physical and emotional weight of aging with HIV Show Full Answer

First, surviving since 1996 is genuinely remarkable — you've lived through some of the hardest chapters of this epidemic, and that takes incredible strength. Asking about hope isn't daring, it's brave. And it matters deeply.

Depression is very real for long-term survivors. The physical and emotional weight of aging with HIV can feel isolating, especially when the world doesn't always see or acknowledge what you've been through. Here are some things that have genuinely helped others in your position:

- Talk therapy or counseling — having a space to process grief, loss, and change without judgment can be life-changing
- Staying on your HIV treatment — maintaining your regimen supports both physical and mental wellbeing
- Physical activity, even gentle movement, has been shown to help lift depression
- Leaning on supportive people — family, friends, or peers who truly understand
- Connecting with other long-term survivors — being around people who *get it* reduces shame and isolation As for hope — a myHIVteam member who has lived with HIV since 1985 described it beautifully: hope isn't about ignoring the hard parts, it's a *choice* to look for the bright side even when thorns have pricked you.

Hope can mean waking up tomorrow. It can mean your story still has pages unwritten. For a long-term survivor like you, hope is also something you *are* — proof that life continues, even through the unimaginable.

3 days ago
A myHIVteam Member

I'm glad you found it. It's good to explore on your own but I have and came back here 2x. I like coming here because it seems to have the most authentic people. It doesn't mean, it doesn't, but just a lot less. One of the benefits for me, it doesn't cost a cent to join, it comes with objectives that help the mental , physical health, spiritual health.

14 hours ago
A myHIVteam Member

I also want to send hug back to you🤗🤗

15 hours ago
A myHIVteam Member

Thank you so much for your respond. This "secretly only known to myself disease" has been carried on all these decades but it's getting difficult when I'm getting older and my physical and mental condition is changing to huge Challenges everyday. I've only found this site couple of days ago and I have not been explored what does site is all about...
God bless you and sincerely appreciate your contact.

Joo

15 hours ago
A myHIVteam Member

Hey @A myHIVteam Member, you are not alone. I'm going through the same thing. I have found, that I have had to reach out to others more and get off my butt. I am also in touch with a combination of therapy and psychiatry. There is an online organization named Positive Women's Network. If you are not yet, request a friend on here, by the name @A myHIVteam Member. She is an ambassador on @myHIVteam quite helpful, when it comes to being informed.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&...

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17 hours ago (edited)

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