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What is HIV?

Treating HIV

Living with HIV

Other health problems

For caregivers

For ASOs

Our commitment

Taking care of the caregiver

Question:
What are you looking for when you visit an ASO
(AIDS service organization)? Pick the one that is most important to you.
 
Basic HIV information
HIV treatment information
Counselling/support group
Help with housing, food, or transportation
Other
I do not visit an ASO
   

 

Helping care for a person with HIV or AIDS can make you feel good about yourself. But it can also cause stress. Too much stress can harm your own health. Here are some things you can do to manage the stress of care giving:

  • Watch for signs of stress. These can include often feeling angry, nervous, or depressed, or having trouble sleeping. If you have any of these signs, talk with your healthcare provider
  • Stay healthy. Try to eat well, rest, and be physically active each day
  • Talk about it. It can help to share your anger, fears, and sadness with someone who is not part of the situation. Sometimes it helps to talk with a friend, minister, rabbi, counselor, or health worker
  • Take time out. Try to find someone to help so you can take a break. Get out on your own. Do something for yourself that you enjoy
  • Realize you are not alone. Finding a support group for caregivers can help. It allows you to meet and talk with people who are going through many of the same things you are. They understand how you feel
  • Breathe deeply. Take a few minutes to sit in a quiet room and think only about your breathing. Take some deep breaths. Listen to the sounds they make as you shut out all else from your mind. Doing this can help lower stress and worry. It's a small way to make a big difference
  • Stay active. Exercise is good for the body and the soul. It lowers stress and boosts your energy. You don't have to go to a gym to exercise. You can stay active by walking each day. You can dance, ride a bicycle, work in a garden, or do anything else you enjoy that keeps you moving

Your local AIDS service organization (ASO) may be able to put you in touch with a support groups in your area.

Next >> Other health problems

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