Living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Anxiety is a common response to being diagnosed with HIV or any serious medical condition. If you were recently diagnosed, you may have concerns about your health, relationships, treatment, and future.

One myHIVteam member described how anxiety affected them: “When I came back from work, I had this anxiety that everything was going to end very soon. I’m also terrified because my workplace doesn’t know that I have this virus. I have anxiety that they might be able to find out from somewhere. I know I’ve been overthinking things a lot since I found out about my status.”

It’s not unusual to feel stressed when you receive unexpected or unpleasant health news. However, anxiety that continues for more than six months and is characterized by excessive worrying may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder. This condition affects around 2 percent of the general population, while research suggests that almost 16 percent of people with HIV may be affected. When studies also include people experiencing anxiety symptoms that may or may not meet the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, estimates are higher, at around 29 percent.

🗳️ What part of being diagnosed with HIV has caused you the most anxiety?

Planning for my health and future

Starting HIV treatment

Telling other people

Paying for or getting care

Thanks! You've successfully submitted your vote.

Sign up to view the results!

Continue with Facebook

Continue with Google

Continue with Email

By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.

Already a member? Log In

Getting Help With Anxiety

You can take steps to manage anxiety, whether you were recently diagnosed, have not started HIV treatment yet, or have been living with HIV for some time.

Talk therapy and medication can help some people with anxiety. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what support may be right for you. The strategies below may also help you manage worries and feel more in control.

Knowledge is power when it comes to reducing HIV-related anxiety. Educate yourself about the virus, HIV treatment options, and the latest medical advances. Understanding your condition can help clear up misconceptions and make it easier to make informed decisions about your health care.

Talk About Treatment Concerns

Some HIV medications may have side effects that contribute to anxiety. Not everyone responds to medications the same way, so tell your healthcare provider if something doesn’t feel right.

If you think your anxiety could be related to your medication, your provider may be able to adjust your treatment plan or suggest other ways to manage side effects.

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential to managing anxiety. Make self-care a priority by engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep can also improve your overall mood and help lower anxiety.

Find What Helps You Unwind

Stress can make anxiety worse, so try different ways to manage it and see what works for you. You might try mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, journaling, or taking a walk.

One member of myHIVteam described how they experience anxiety. “I’m not always happy,” they said. “I have to push myself to get through the day sometimes, and it’s tough because anxiety is always around the corner for me. It’s something I’m learning to live with, but it doesn’t define who I am.”

Healthy distractions can also give your mind a break. Spend time on activities you enjoy, such as:

• Reading
• Painting
• Listening to music
• Being in nature

Activities like these may help reduce anxiety and boost your mood.

Your physical health can affect how you feel emotionally. To help manage anxiety, limit alcohol, recreational drugs, and caffeine, which can make anxiety symptoms worse. Focus on healthy habits you can control, such as sleep and physical activity.

Build Healthy Routines

Try to get enough sleep and keep a regular bedtime when you can. One myHIVteam member shared, “Rest has to be a constant regimen for all of us who live with HIV. Also taking ‘running thoughts’ out of the brain and writing them in a journal before bed helped me more than I ever imagined.”

Regular physical activity may also help with sleep and anxiety. You might schedule time to exercise, take regular walks, or join a group fitness class if that helps you stay motivated. Studies show that exercise can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.

Talking about your worries with someone you trust can make anxiety feel more manageable. You might reach out to a friend, family member, healthcare provider, therapist, or support group. Connecting with others can help you feel less alone and give you new ways to cope.

Mental health professionals who work with people living with long-term health conditions, including HIV, can also offer support. If reaching out in a group feels difficult, one-on-one counseling may be a more comfortable place to start.

Get Help With Practical Stress

Money, medical bills, and access to care can also add to anxiety. If you have financial concerns related to HIV, disability benefits, or medical bills, a social worker may be able to help you find resources.

“I’m filled with a lot of anxiety about bills. Trying to find the money to pay them,” shared a myHIVteam member. Another member described taking things one step at a time: “What I’ve learned is not to let the big picture overwhelm me. But if I could isolate and organize each bill and allot even $10 a month toward each creditor, at the end of the day, that’s all you can do.”

Support from friends, family, professionals, or others living with HIV can make a real difference. HIV support groups and online communities can also help you connect with people who understand what you are going through.