Your mind is just as important as your viral load, even if you can’t measure how healthy it is in the same way.
There may be things that stop you from feeling like your best self. It could be issues with your sleep or memory, feelings of depression or anxiety or it could be worries in your everyday life.
Remember, you are not alone in your experiences. Talking with a HIV support group or with your HIV doctor, nurse or another healthcare provider may help you to cope with changes in your mood and overall mental wellbeing.
If you are on effective HIV medication and have an undetectable viral load, you can’t pass on HIV.1
With medication you can also expect to live as long as someone without HIV.2 So even if it may seem far away, taking care of your body today is important to enjoy the future you want.
It is important to understand your risks of developing certain conditions (which you may hear referred to as comorbidities) like diabetes, heart, kidney and bone problems – which may be higher when you are living with HIV.3
You might get uncomfortable symptoms that affect your body – don’t ignore them!
As well as looking after yourself on the inside, it is important to consider how everything around you, on the outside, might be affecting your health.
From stresses in your social life and relationships, to work, immigration status or finances, they all matter. You may have had negative experiences regarding your HIV status that can impact your ability to get the care you need.
There are support groups available to you and you can talk to your HIV doctor, nurse or healthcare provider about any of these issues in your everyday life and how they might be impacting your health and wellbeing.
There is a strong and supportive HIV community in the UK that understands your experiences and can offer the help and resources you need, whether you need it now or later in life.
Visit the HIV support organisations page for a directory of HIV organisations if you are looking for additional support.
