Chat live with experts on HIV and depression
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s (Sadag) free Facebook Friday chat this week is focused on HIV/Aids and depression.
According to Sadag, many people aren’t aware that HIV/Aids and depression often go hand-in-hand for those who live with the virus.
Psychologist Zamo Mbele says it isn’t unusual for people to think only of the physical impact of the illness, such as weight loss, fever, headache, muscle ache, joint pain, throat pain and skin rashes.
“But what is often not taken into consideration is the mental health problems that are associated with the diagnosis and the medication side-effects those infected are likely to experience, such as depression, anxiety, panic and even suicidal thoughts.
“HIV/Aids affects the body and mind, but we often ignore the effect on the latter,” Mbele says. “We need to give enough focus to the effects on a person’s emotions and thoughts. With HIV/Aids, in the same way that keeping the body healthy is important, so is keeping the mind healthy.”
Sadag’s free Facebook Friday question and answer session aims to help people who have questions related to HIV/Aids and/or mental health issues.
Facebook Friday free chat, December 8
Mbele will be on the live chat from 1pm to 2pm, and the evening chat will be from 7pm to 8pm with general practitioner Sindi van Zyl.
To join the chats, like Sadag’s Facebook page (The South African Depression and Anxiety Group).
Facebook users that would like to remain anonymous can send an email to newsletter@anxiety.org.za and their questions will be put to the experts by a Sadag representative.
Tips on managing depression and HIV/Aids:
• Talk about your feelings with your doctor, friends, family members or other supportive people.
• Seek mental health therapy.
• Learn more about HIV/Aids and depression.
• Avoid drug and alcohol use.
• Follow a healthy diet.
• Manage physical and emotional health problems.
• Follow your doctor’s orders regarding your prescriptions.
• Try to find activities that relieve your stress, such as exercise or hobbies.
• Try to get enough sleep each night to help you feel rested.
• Learn relaxation methods such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
• Join a support group.
Sadag provides free telephonic support, counselling and referrals to nationwide resources. The organisation’s call centre is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 8am to 8pm.
Contact Sadag on 0800 41 42 43 or visit www.sadag.org for more information.
