People both with and without HIV can suffer from depression, but often, people with HIV have extra reasons to suffer from depression and anxiety. If you are not sure if you are suffering from depression, consider the following questions:

• Are you hard on yourself?


• Do you often skip days of work or not go to work?


• Are you not able to study or do you lack an interest in doing things?


• Are you uninterested in sex?


• Do you avoid friends or social get-togethers?


• Do you not enjoy activities or events, which normally interest you?


• Are you less concerned with how you look (in terms of grooming and hygiene)?


• Are you forgetful?


• Do you cry a lot or feel like crying without knowing why?


• Do you get angry easily or get into arguments often?


• Do you drink a lot of alcohol or use recreational drugs?

If you answered yes to 1 or more of these questions, you might be suffering from depression. It is important that you tell your doctor. There are a number of things that you and your doctor can do to help you feel better.

Treating Depression

Just like HIV infection, depression is an illness for which you should not be ashamed of seeking treatment. Together with your doctor, there are a number of things that you can do to help fight your depression.

• Therapy with a social worker, therapist, or support group can be extremely helpful in letting you talk out your problems


• Medications called antidepressants can relieve the symptoms of depression

If you are suffering from depression, your local AIDS Service Organization (ASO) may be able to provide you with additional information about support groups and therapists in your area.