Depression and anxiety
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems among people with HIV (21). Depression may be related to the cumulative losses of friends and relationships, lack of social support, loss of employment, career prospects or earning capacity and a sense of hope for the future. Lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and intersex people experience depression and anxiety at higher rates than the wider population and can be at a greater risk of suicide and self-harm.
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Despite a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression among PLHIV, many have developed resilience, defined as positive psychological, behavioural, and/or social adaptation in the face of stressors and adversities (22). Resilience is a protective factor for longer-term mental health. Some studies have shown that nurses can promote resilience through modelling social skills and assisting the client in developing coping skills (23).
Bletzer notes that resilient people with HIV tend to have a higher level of knowledge of their illness, demonstrate self-responsibility, and persistence (24). Others have noted better quality of life, ‘post-traumatic growth’, less psychological distress, positive beliefs, and the ability to relinquish control over the uncertainty of life with HIV among those who demonstrate resilience (19, 25).