Mental health refers to a person’s overall emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. People with HIV have a high risk for some mental health conditions than people who do not have HIV. People with HIV have an increased risk of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and cognitive disorders. Mental health conditions are treatable, and people with mental health conditions can recover.
People living with HIV are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and to die by suicide compared to the general population. Key populations are often affected by stigma and discrimination and social marginalization, which, along with vulnerability to HIV, lead to elevated rates of emotional distress and mental health conditions.
Studies have shown that the prevalence of depression across surveys of people living with HIV in Sub Saharan Africa is estimated to be 24%. A study in the United States of America found prevalence of 48% for substance abuse disorders among people living with HIV linked to treatment and care. Adolescents living with HIV generally have a higher prevalence of mental health conditions (e.g. depression and anxiety) compared with their negative peers.
What can cause mental health conditions in people with HIV?
- Opportunistic infections: People with HIV can have opportunistic infections that can affect the brain and the rest of the nervous system. This may lead to changes in how a person thinks and behaves.
- Stress: Being diagnosed with HIV can be another source of major stress. A diagnosis of HIV challenges your sense of well-being or complicates existing mental health condition. Sometimes, there may be difficulties in disclosing your HIV status to your friends and loved ones. This can lead to emotional stress and impact your mental health and wellbeing.
- HIV medications: Some HIV medications can cause depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and insomnia.
How can people living with HIV get help for mental health conditions.
- If you are living with HIV and you are experiencing any mental health issues, the best thing is to reach out. Knowing that you are not alone is one of the best ways to start dealing with mental health, especially depression.
- There is an intervention called The Common Elements treatment approach that can combines techniques for treating depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
- The World Health Organization Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) Intervention Guide provides screening, treatment, and referral for mental health conditions.