| Caring for your HIV-related problem:
Depression
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| PROBLEM: Feeling “blue,” “low,” “depressed,” or “sad.”
These feelings may also be associated with problems sleeping,
weight loss, weight gain, or a change in your appetite. You may
notice that you don’t have any interest in things that once gave
you pleasure. You may also feel “tired” or “fatigued” much
of the time and not be able to think or have difficulty
concentrating.
Depression is due to both changes in the usual chemicals of
your brain and things going on in your life. HIV, other
medications or health problems can cause depression too.
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| TREATMENT: There
are many ways to treat this problem. The first step is
to contact your physician or nurse. If you feel like
you might hurt yourself or others, seek help
immediately by calling 911 or going to an emergency
room. By working together, a treatment plan can be
developed for you. This plan may include prescription
or non-prescription medications, counseling or other
treatments. |
SELF CARE: Here some strategies that you may try to help you feel
better:
- Try stress-reducing activities, such as massage, meditation,
listening to music, deep breathing exercises, get involved (e.g.
volunteer work), etc.
- Attend a support group. A good place to look for these groups
is in your telephone book under “HIV/AIDS.” Be sure to check
if a group you are planning to attend has a specific focus and
that you are interested in that topic.
- Avoid or reduce alcohol and mood-altering non-prescription
drugs (cocaine, speed, etc).
- Go for a walk every day. Exercise has been shown to reduce
depression and fatigue.
- Go to bed and wake up as close to the same time everyday as
possible
- Get up and get dressed at a regular time each day.
- Report any side effects you experience to your doctor or nurse.
- Read and learn about depression.
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Wantland MS, RN, MSN |
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