Dealing with diagnosis

It’s common place to feel:

• shock
• anxiety
• disbelief
• anger

However, thanks to new treatments, many people living with HIV lead a relatively normal life.

Talk to someone

Don't try to deal with things on your own. Finding the right support is essential. Professional and confidential advice is always available from your clinic or doctor and they are there to help you.

Do think carefully about how, when or if to tell your friends, family and colleagues. Their reactions can be unpredictable. See telling others for more advice.

Search our service finder to find services near you.

Your life is not over

It will take time for you to learn to cope, but the difficult times you experience now are just one part of what will be a lifelong journey. And it will get better. HIV will not always be the first thing on your mind.

Things you can do

Get information: first make sure it is from a reliable source, especially if you’re using the internet. This website is an excellent source of up to date and accurate information. Information is also available through your clinic and doctor, and from services in some local areas.

Or try the resources below:

• For treatments information try www.aidsmap.com
• For HIV facts and people’s stories try www.namlife.org
• To get in touch with the online community try www.myhiv.org.uk

Find support: what’s best for you depends upon your situation. A trusted friend, family member or partner can provide you with the support you need.

Remember information from your doctor: this could be practical information, or another appointment date. You can always contact them and ask for details if you need to.

Stay in control: you have managed problems before, you will be able to deal with this problem also.

Respect yourself: you’re not a different person just because you have found out you have HIV.

Things to avoid

• Avoid trying to cope by taking more alcohol and drugs. These are temporary helps at best. If you depend upon them, it could make coping more difficult in the longer term.
• Avoid panicking. Many other people are also HIV positive.
• Avoid feeling that you have to tell everyone. Not everyone needs to know. There is a time and a place which will be best for you and them.
• Avoid isolating yourself. This doesn’t mean that you need to tell everyone. Maintain your usual social and work contacts.
• Avoid taking all the burden of caring for someone close to you. Share and enjoy the responsibilities of talking, maintaining your relationship, or day-to-day tasks.