Cancer, heart disease, strokes and HIV have something in common: depression soon envelopes some of the sufferers. Depression is an illness that affects the mind, body and soul, making it difficult for sufferers to summon the will to go on living.

Despite the fact that a third of HIV-positive patients will suffer from depression, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. It’s often assumed that depression is simply a reaction to the diagnosis, but depression is a completely separate illness which can and should be treated to alleviate the symptoms.

Depression results from abnormal functioning of the brain. The illness is currently undergoing intense research, with researchers trying to determine what causes the illness. The interaction between genetic predisposition and life history can determine a person’s level of risk, but episodes of depression can be triggered by stress, difficult life events, side-effects of medication or the effects of HIV on the brain.

Whatever its origins, depression can severely inhibit the energy and willpower needed to keep focused on staying healthy. Sufferers of depression usually have a persistent sad or anxious mood, with lots of feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness and pessimism.

Depression will also cause a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating and making decisions. It can also cause the person to suffer from loss of appetite, insomnia, thoughts of death and suicide, and sometimes, suicide attempts.

While there are different treatments for depression, the chosen treatment is carefully considered based on the patient’s circumstances. See your healthcare professional if you suspect that you are suffering from depression. They will recommend a suitable treatment, possibly an antidepressant.

Prescription antidepressant medications are generally safe for people with HIV, but self-medicating with St. John’s wort, an over-the-counter herbal remedy, can negatively affect HIV medications. St. John’s wort also inhibit the functioning of the birth control pill, antidepressants and other medications. Make sure that your healthcare professional is aware of all the medications you are taking, medicinal and herbal.

Treatment for HIV-related depression should be managed by a mental health professional, like a social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist. Make sure you tell any physician you visit about the full range of medications you are taking.

Recovering from depression will take time because even the medication takes time to work. Combined with psychotherapy, the process shouldn’t be rushed or forced: the sufferer should be granted time to recover. Not everyone responds to treatment in the same way and prescriptions may have to be adjusted to get it right.

It takes more than just access to good medical care for someone living with HIV to maintain their health. A positive outlook, determination, discipline and motivation are also needed to deal with the disease symptoms, medication side-effects, stress of avoiding risky behaviour, adhering to strict treatment programs, shuffling schedules for doctor’s visits, keeping up with the latest discoveries and updates and even coping with the loss of a loved one.

If you are suffering from depression, you can contact the SADAG Mental Health line at 011 262 6396 or the National Counselling Helpline at 0861 322 322. If things have gone too far and you are thinking about death and suicide, please contact the Suicide Crisis line at 0800 567 567.

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