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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: lawrence03 on June 30, 2010, 01:17:36 pm

Title: Going on with Life
Post by: lawrence03 on June 30, 2010, 01:17:36 pm
So another question for all you experts  ;)  As I get closer and closer to making my final decisions regarding treatment I am realizing that since I found out 4 weeks ago I have pretty much focused all my energy about my diagnosis into the medical side of things, while sort of ignoring the mental side of things.

To be honest when I first found out I thought to myself over and over "What do I do now?"; I thought I would need antidepressants etc.  I realized after a few days there is nothing I can do and I have to go back to normal.  So far that has worked pretty well, I've just resumed my life exactly as it was.  So my questions...  Besides figuring out my treatment plan is there anything else I should be "doing?"

Also as far as mental support what resources do you guys recommend as far as groups, counselor, etc.  I really don't even know if I need these, I get support from my friends, parents, you guys, doctor...seems like I am doing pretty well.  Honestly I was told by a good friend that I could let this empower or destroy me and I chose the first option.  It really just makes sense to me, there's nothing I can do to change my diagnosis, its going to be with me forever, you just accept it and move on...  Is it that easy or am I missing something?  I've been functioning perfectly fine out in the real world and wouldn't say I'm depressed or any less happy than before, but I want to make sure I am just as healthy mentally as physically.
Title: Re: Going on with Life
Post by: skeebo1969 on June 30, 2010, 02:44:10 pm
Quote from: lawrence03 on June 30, 2010, 01:17:36 pm
So another question for all you experts  ;)  As I get closer and closer to making my final decisions regarding treatment I am realizing that since I found out 4 weeks ago I have pretty much focused all my energy about my diagnosis into the medical side of things, while sort of ignoring the mental side of things.

To be honest when I first found out I thought to myself over and over "What do I do now?"; I thought I would need antidepressants etc.  I realized after a few days there is nothing I can do and I have to go back to normal.  So far that has worked pretty well, I've just resumed my life exactly as it was.  So my questions...  Besides figuring out my treatment plan is there anything else I should be "doing?"

Also as far as mental support what resources do you guys recommend as far as groups, counselor, etc.  I really don't even know if I need these, I get support from my friends, parents, you guys, doctor...seems like I am doing pretty well.  Honestly I was told by a good friend that I could let this empower or destroy me and I chose the first option.  It really just makes sense to me, there's nothing I can do to change my diagnosis, its going to be with me forever, you just accept it and move on...  Is it that easy or am I missing something?  I've been functioning perfectly fine out in the real world and wouldn't say I'm depressed or any less happy than before, but I want to make sure I am just as healthy mentally as physically.

The way I see it is either your riding a pink cloud or you got the mental aspect of this under control.  Some people handle stress well while others do not, it's as simple as that.

Quote from: lawrence03 on June 30, 2010, 01:17:36 pm
Besides figuring out my treatment plan is there anything else I should be "doing?"

  Barring any health problems it's just a matter of living and dealing with regular life issues.  HIV can make this a sort of juggling act sometimes, but really the desire in life is to be happy I guess and that's what one should strive for in my opinion.

  You're doing good....
Title: Re: Going on with Life
Post by: leatherman on June 30, 2010, 04:23:03 pm
Quote from: lawrence03 on June 30, 2010, 01:17:36 pm
I get support from my friends, parents, you guys, doctor...seems like I am doing pretty well.  Honestly I was told by a good friend that I could let this empower or destroy me and I chose the first option.  It really just makes sense to me, there's nothing I can do to change my diagnosis, its going to be with me forever, you just accept it and move on
that's how I've made it through the last 18 years, with HIV/AIDS being the cause of numerous friends that have died, losing my health, losing 3 homes, losing my job, losing my car, going into poverty, being hospitalized a couple of times, and worst of all, losing two long-term partners. ;) I can't say that it was always the "best" life; but it was my life and I muddled through as best I could. ;D

sounds like you're doing fine so far yourself. ;)

of course, things could change in the future; but if you've got friends, family and a doctor helping you along, you should be able to get through whatever the future holds. ;D
Title: Re: Going on with Life
Post by: hjeffs on July 04, 2010, 02:15:45 pm
Honestly I was told by a good friend that I could let this empower or destroy me and I chose the first option.
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I think this is a choice that we can make about anything in our lives. I love this line and keep it close to me.
My partner joined a support group and that worked for him. I talked to my friends and a shrink. I am also involved in a great deal of self help in my spiritual community. The final answer is live a full life and what ever it takes to do that for you is what your action is.
Live big, care for yourself and be the best you that is possible. Sounds like you are grounded and on a good path for you. If that changes make directional changes that meet your needs. Just remember you are not broken but just had a detour. Find your way and such wisdom will find you.
Be well.
Title: Re: Going on with Life
Post by: Just John on July 04, 2010, 05:46:16 pm
Quote from: lawrence03 on June 30, 2010, 01:17:36 pm
I get support from my friends, parents, you guys, doctor...seems like I am doing pretty well.

I'm glad to hear that you're doing well Lawrence03, like the others who've replied, I too think that you have pretty much got the right handle on things as far as the mental issues are concerned and I wish you well for the future.

What the future holds though is anybody's guess and I've no doubt that there will be times when you need a little more support and encouragement. I've also no doubt that you'll know where to look for it.

-John.