HIV + Stress

[TheRoof]

My doctor and I have this "joke" as you say. I say "It will not be any of the HIV sympthoms that will hurt my life or immune system" It is the stress that will kill me.
I am by nature a stressful person. I have tried multiple anti-depressants, valium, and medication for fatigue to control it. None has helped. -- I am currently not on any medication besides Adderal; I do suffer from Massive Fatigue (Which I know for sure the stress causes it) Plus concentration issues, the medication has helped a little bit. I try to be very careful of taking it though and to taken as prescribed. It is a very controlled substance. I understand. -- We all go through "stressful intervals" in life; for me I've handled stress a lot more seriously than other people. I don't know why; Life should be fun! (For the most part)
I've done therapy, physical therapy, and I feel that not much has worked. Some has, but in the overall process I am still the same anxiety-ridden individual as I’ve always been. (All though I try to be an optimist)
HIV and Stress are a horrible mix in my opinion! Lol;

Has there been an actual scientific correlation done that presumes HIV & Stress cause more immune damage? Of course HIV medication is the only life-survival (majority of us) to live a long-life.
All though; In my opinion though; if you are taking HIV medication, BUT not eating a healthy diet, exercising, weight problems and not "enjoying" life. HIV medication can only do so much; and other factors of your health will be consumed readily.

   For any of you who have taken medication for stress; have you found relief and if so what have you done to change your life? -- I know all of us are different, so it would be nice to share stories to get some insight on this topic.

Hope to hear some replies.   

[TexasPOZ]

I know my CD4 count dropped when I was under a lot of stress, even though my VL remained undetectable. Stress definitely takes its toll on mental and physical health. I haven't taken medication for "stress" per se, but I have taken medication for an anxiety disorder for the last 17 years and it has significantly improved my quality of life.

[Miss Philicia]

I went through an excruciating legal situation in 2003-04 and actually my cd4 count didn't drop, it went up.

Roof, I know you say you're going to a therapist -- but how often and is it safe to assume the concentration if on cognitive behavior therapy? Also, if you're not having any success with this psychiatrist perhaps it's time to find another one. Also, are t here are group support places that focus on this issue (non-HIV)?

[LongTimeSurvivor]

High-strung would have been an understatement regarding my personality. My second boyfriend use to walk up behind me and push my shoulders down because they'd be hunched up.

While I am on Bupropion XL and Lexapro for depression and anxiety...I had started trying to deal with stress long before that. This isn't necessarily for everyone and it may require that you actually be older (ahem).

Basically I began to realize it didn't matter. I had no control over things that would cause my blood pressure to rise. Yelling at people didn't help...it only upped their stress levels. Didn't lower mine.

No matter what the problem is, or the situation is, it will work out some way. May not be the way you want but it will work out and then it becomes history. Being stressed doesn't change anything. Just made my stomach hurt. So I just started to let it all go.

It took a while and I'll still curse under my breathe once in a while but for the most part I let it roll off my back. Once it's done I go on with my life and let that become lost in time. Not saying you can do this all at once but, along with investigating medications, etc., try letting small things not get to you. Like the cashier at the supermarket who seems to think her/his nails need another coat of paint before ringing up your order. Then work your way up to bigger things and see if you can take a deep breath and just let it happen.

Anyway, it works for me but I'm 52. Still, it can't hurt to try. Hope you find something that works for you.

[mecch]

I dont know what medication there is for "stress".  Fill me in.

I sometimes take lorazepam for anxiety. This has worked well for me, when I feel I might need it.  Maybe a few times per week, maybe none.

I think exercising is good.  Socialising.  Fresh air. Sunshine.  Hot sex.  Therapy.  Sometimes I will just use alcohol or a joint, maybe not the best stress medicine but sometimes its effective, changes my mind set, and the next day is a new day.