People who find out that they are HIV positive often deal with the news by denying that it is true. You may believe that the HIV test came out wrong or that there was a mix-up of test results. This is a natural and normal first reaction.

At first, this denial may even be helpful, because it can give you time to get used to the idea of infection. However, if not dealt with, denial can be dangerous--you may fail to take certain precautions or reach out for the necessary help and medical support.

It is important that you talk out your feelings with your VA health care provider or someone you trust. It is important to do this so that you can begin to receive the care and support you need.

Anger is another common and natural feeling related to being diagnosed with HIV. Many people are upset about how they got the virus or angry that they didn't know they had the virus.

Ways to deal with feelings of anger include the following:

• Talk about your feelings with others, such as people in a support group, or with a counselor, friend, or social worker.
• Try to get some exercise--like gardening, walking, or dancing--to relieve some of the tension and angry feelings you may be experiencing.
• Avoid situations-- involving certain people, places, and events--that cause you to feel angry or stressed out.

It is also normal to feel sad when you learn you have HIV/AIDS. If, over time, you find that the sadness doesn't go away or is getting worse, talk with your doctor or someone else you trust. You may be depressed.

Symptoms of depression can include the following, especially if they last for more than two weeks:

• Feeling sad, anxious, irritable, or hopeless
• Gaining or losing weight
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Moving slower than usual or finding it hard to sit still
• Losing interest in the things you usually enjoy
• Feeling tired all the time
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Having a hard time concentrating
• Thinking about death or giving up

To deal with these symptoms, you may want to:

• Talk with your doctor about treatments for depression, such as therapy or medicines
• Get involved with a support group
• Spend time with supportive people, such as family members and friends

If your mood swings or depression get very severe, or if you ever think about suicide, call your doctor right away. Your doctor can help you.

Finding the right treatment for depression takes time--so does recovery. If you think you may be depressed, don't lose hope. Instead, talk to your VA provider and seek help for depression.

Fear and anxiety may be caused by not knowing what to expect now that you've been diagnosed with HIV, or not knowing how others will treat you after they find out you have HIV. You also may be afraid of telling people--friends, family members, and others--that you are HIV positive.

Fear can make your heart beat faster or make it hard for you to sleep. Anxiety also can make you feel nervous or agitated. Fear and anxiety might make you sweat, feel dizzy, or feel short of breath.

Ways to control your feelings of fear and anxiety include the following:

• Learn as much as you can about HIV/AIDS.
• Get your questions answered by your VA health care provider.
• Talk with your friends, family members, and health care providers.
• Join a support group.
• Help others who are in the same situation, such as by volunteering at an HIV/AIDS service organization. This may empower you and lessen your feelings of fear.
• Talk to your doctor about medicines for anxiety if the feelings don't lessen with time or if they get worse.

If you are HIV positive, you and your loved ones constantly have to deal with stress. Stress is unique and personal to each of us. When stress does occur, it is important to recognize and deal with it. Some ways to handle stress are discussed below. As you gain more understanding about how stress affects you, you will come up with your own ideas for coping with stress.

• Try physical activity. When you are nervous, angry, or upset, try exercise or some other kind of physical activity. Walking, yoga, and gardening are just some of the activities you might try to release your tension.
• Take care of yourself. Be sure you get enough rest and eat well. If you are irritable from lack of sleep or if you are not eating right, you will have less energy to deal with stressful situations. If stress keeps you from sleeping, you should ask your doctor for help.
• Talk about it. It helps to talk to someone about your concerns and worries. You can talk to a friend, family member, counselor, or VA health provider.
• Let it out. A good cry can bring relief to your anxiety, and it might even prevent a headache or other physical problem. Taking some deep breaths also releases tension.

HIV/AIDS and some medications for treating HIV may affect your brain. When HIV itself infects the brain, it can cause a condition known as AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC). Symptoms can include the following:

• Forgetfulness
• Confusion
• Difficulty paying attention
• Slurred speech
• Sudden shifts in mood or behavior
• Muscle weakness
• Clumsiness

If you think you may have ADC:

• Don't be afraid to tell your VA health care provider that you think something is wrong.
• Keep a notepad with you and write down your symptoms whenever they occur. This information can help your doctor to help you.
• Build as much support as possible, including friends, family, and health care providers. Although it's possible to treat ADC successfully, it may take a while for some symptoms to go away.

It is completely normal to have an emotional reaction upon learning that you are HIV positive, such as anxiety, anger, or depression. These feelings do not last forever. As noted above, there are many things that you can do to help take care of your emotional needs. Here are just a few ideas:

• Talk about your feelings with your doctor, friends, family members, or other supportive people.
• Try to find activities that relieve your stress, such as exercise or hobbies.
• Try to get enough sleep each night to help you feel rested.
• Learn relaxation methods like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
• Limit the amount of caffeine and nicotine you use.
• Eat small, healthy meals throughout the day.
• Join a support group.

There are many kinds of support groups that provide a place where you can talk about your feelings, help others, and get the latest information about HIV/AIDS. Check with your VA health care provider for a listing of local support groups. Some VA medical centers have support groups available at the clinic or hospital.

More specific ways to care for your emotional well-being include various forms of therapy and medication. Used by themselves or in combination, these may be helpful in dealing with the feelings you are experiencing. Therapy can help you better express your feelings and find ways to cope with your emotions. Medicines that may be able to help with anxiety and depression are also available.

You should always talk with your doctor about your options. There are many ways to care for your emotional health, but treatments must be carefully chosen by your VA physician based on your specific circumstances and needs.

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone; there are support systems in place to help you, including doctors, psychiatrists, family members, friends, support groups, and other services.