Emotional support for a person with HIV
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Emotional support for a person with HIV
It is important to think about the emotional well-being of the person with HIV you care for. Since every person's emotional needs are different, no single approach is best for everybody.
- Encourage the person to become involved in medical decisions that affect his or her care and daily schedules. Being involved will provide a sense of control and independence.
- Don't avoid the person. Like anyone else, people with HIV feel anger, frustration, depression, and other emotions. Realize that these reactions are not directed at you personally but are caused by the disease.
- Don't be afraid to discuss the disease. Often people with HIV need to talk.
- Don't be afraid to touch. Holding a hand, giving a hug, or giving a back rub can greatly raise the person's spirits. However, be sensitive to people who do not want physical closeness.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 8, 2008 |
| Last updated: | May 08, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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