Common emotions after being diagnosed with HIV are sadness and grief.
This sadness and grief may be present for a while but gradually goes away as time passes and you adjust to accepting, understanding and effectively coping with your diagnosis.
Depression occurs when you no longer have the capacity to effectively manage the emotions for yourself and they begin to negatively impact your life.
Symptoms of Depression
Overall depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you enjoyed before your HIV positive diagnosis
Suicidal thoughts or feelings
Feelings of guilt and remorse
Not feeling to eat or overeating
Sleep disturbance
Sleep disturbance
Attention and concentration problems
Feeling tired, sluggish or easily fatigued
Feelings of hoplessness
Social isolation
Persistent agitation
Not wanting to socialize with friends or family
Crying especially when alone and for no reason
Easily agitated and moody
Using substances like pills, alcohol, drugs to cope with painful feelings
Decreased sex drive
There are many treatment options available to help you cope with your depression, which in turn can improve your HIV prognosis as well. Anti-depressants and lifestyle can be effective in helping you cope with depression.