Impact of HIV on Black Mental Health

In 2022, the rate of new HIV diagnosis per 100,000 Black adults/adolescents was 41.6%, about 8 times higher than new HIV diagnoses of white people (5.3%) and nearly twice more than Latinos (23.4%). Receiving a positive HIV diagnosis often feels like a death sentence, arousing feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, fear, regret, and overwhelming stress.

December 1 every year is designated World AIDS Day and the rest of the month is used for creating awareness about the disease. The theme for this year’s celebration is Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress. To sustain that progress, it is time we start emphasizing the mental impact of HIV diagnoses—just as much as the physical impact.

The mental impact of a positive HIV/AIDS diagnosis is just as scathing as the physical impact. Significant progress has been made in HIV/AIDS prevention and management which should help allay the fears and anxiety associated with a positive diagnosis. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.

The mental health impact of HIV diagnosis

The symptoms of HIV are widely discussed. However, the same level of attention is rarely given to the mental health impact of the disease. The stigma associated with contracting the virus coupled with the stigma associated with mental illnesses in Black communities, patients who test positive in our community tend to suffer the mental scourge in silence.

For example, while mental health illnesses are not race-specific, statistics show that only 25% of Black individuals seek mental health treatment which is nearly twice less than the number of white people (40%). Although stigma is one of the reasons Black adults are less likely to seek mental health treatment, other factors like the unavailability of healthcare and the fear of being judged or misunderstood by white physicians compound the problem.

Why HIV increases the risk of mental health issues

Until recently, being handed a positive HIV test result was akin to a death sentence—and sadly some people in our community still view it that way. This is a considerable source of mental stress and the foundation for other mental illnesses to build on. Some of the reasons why people living with HIV in Black communities have a higher risk of mental illness besides stigma are as follows:

1. Dealing with serious illnesses associated with the disease

Until properly treated, HIV presents symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, and so on which get worse with the progression of the disease. Struggling to go through your normal daily routine with one or more of these symptoms can be a serious source of mental stress and depression, especially if you don’t have people assisting you. Having someone around to help can make a difference.

2. Remembering to take your daily life-saving medication

People living with HIV can become anxious about missing the daily dosage of their medication, especially because doing so can lead to the development of resistance. Following a treatment plan can be difficult. However, the use of an automatic drug dispenser can relieve you of the anxiety and stress of having to remember to take your medication daily and timely.

3. Difficulty accessing HIV support and care

In a 2013 study involving people of color, most of the respondents identified long distances, complex transportation services, and personal finances as the major barriers affecting access to HIV care. The frustration faced by the people in our community in accessing comprehensive HIV care can lead to depression and anxiety.

4. Isolation and loss of social support

Due to the stigma associated with HIV in our community, people who receive positive diagnosis often find themselves isolated from society. They may experience loss in different forms, including relationships and jobs which can compound their condition. All these negative events can increase their risk of developing mental illnesses. Some end up turning to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Finding a support network is crucial to overcoming the feeling of isolation.

5. The uncertainty of the future

Getting a positive HIV diagnosis can be life-changing. It can lead to rejection by the people we love, loss of opportunities, and the future suddenly becomes bleak because of the stigma associated with the disease. This uncertainty can lead to anxiety.

How to improve mental health after HIV diagnosis

Starting HIV treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis helps to achieve the best health outcomes. Seeking the help of a trained mental health professional or a therapist or joining a support group can provide the motivation to overcome the anxiety of starting and sustaining your HIV treatment regimen.

While we often look for external support to overcome mental health challenges, part of the solution sometimes lie within. For example, certain foods including caffeine, processed foods, alcohol, and foods high in saturated and trans fats have all been linked to an increase in anxiety and depression. Therefore, proper nutrition can be a key to improving mental health after HIV diagnosis. Discuss with your primary care provider for recommendations to improve your mental health. Use our Mental Health Tracker here and present your result to them.

Lifestyle changes that include exercise and mindful meditation help to manage stress and anxiety and improve overall mood and wellbeing. Ensure you get adequate sleep and limit alcohol and substance use. Also, there are dozens of organizations and telephone hotlines like the resources put together by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) where you can find mental health treatment and support in your local area.

Involve yourself in community activities or private groups either in person or online where you will get the chance to listen and speak with people who have gone through the same diagnosis as you. Always remember that you are not in this alone.

For more reading: