Tips to live a long and healthy life after testing positive for HIV

Being diagnosed with HIV is overwhelming but you don’t have to face your diagnosis alone.

Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV and are able to live full, long lives by pairing modern medicine with HIV resources and tips, like the ones below.

First – get support.

Testing positive for HIV can cause or tap into preexisting mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. 

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting those living with HIV. Having good mental health and well-being is a key to successfully treating HIV, allowing you to live a longer and healthier life.

Peer support groups like POZ Community Forums, HIV/AIDS Therapy Tribe and Positive Peers can help you connect with others living with HIV, but if you need to talk to someone right away, hotlines are also available to you. 

Know your life isn’t being cut short

Without treatment, HIV can be deadly but with treatment, you can live a normal and active life.

Find a provider today and ask about medications and treatments available to you. Learn more about antiretroviral therapy (ART) – which can help you gain an undetectable status.

If you’re worried about paying for HIV care – don’t! Financial resources like The Medicine Assistance Tool, Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program – HIV/AIDS, and Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program can help cover the costs. 

Keep on lovin’ 

You don’t have to stop dating because of an HIV diagnosis.

If you’re single, sites like POZ Personals, Positive Singles, HIV People Meet, and Meet Positives can help you find a potential partner or casual date. 

If you’re in a relationship, talk to your partner about PrEP and start HIV therapy. Some medications will help you to reach an undetectable status – which means you won’t pass HIV to a partner when duty calls.

Learn and understand the phrase U=U. 

Don’t rule out starting a family

There are many options for HIV+ individuals to build a family. 

Talk to your doctor and know your options. Some couples can conceive naturally while for others, medically assisted conception may be an option through artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

If you aren’t sure where to begin, organizations like Alder Health Services and Planned Parenthood can guide you through the family planning process.

Share your action plan with those who can support you

By putting your physical and mental health first, connecting with care, getting treatment, focusing on yourself, finding your community, and getting involved, you can embrace your diagnosis and learn to live with it.

If you were recently diagnosed with HIV and need all-around support, visit TakeControlHIV.com today.