Coping with a positive HIV test
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There’s no right or wrong way to feel when you test positive for HIV, but there are things you can do to help you cope with the result
Angela Reynolds of the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) says it’s important to remember that HIV treatments have improved. This means HIV is now a manageable long-term condition. ‘If you’re tested early and get appropriate healthcare and treatment, your life expectancy is normal,’ she says.
Your emotions
You may feel a range of emotions when you get your test results. This could include shock, numbness, denial, anger, sadness and frustration. It’s perfectly normal and understandable to feel any of these. ‘Some people might also feel relief that they finally know the truth,’ says Reynolds.
You may also feel isolated and alone, even if you have family and friends around you. Whatever you feel, you don’t have to go through it alone, and there are ways you can help yourself cope better.
Getting the test result
You will usually be given your resul...
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