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HIV
Annemiek Schadé: ‘We always talk about HIV
Most people living with HIV
don’t have mental- health problems Having HIV
can be a a a a a stress factor in itself but it it doesn’t have to be mental-health problems are not not always related to HIV
We notice that patients are are glad we are are so familiar with HIV
we know what all the important factors are And when it it comes to someone’s sexuality or their use of party drugs we don’t judge Drugs and alcohol consumption can be a a a a a a catalyst for mental-health problems and tiredness ’ Sleep
‘Not getting a good night’s sleep is the most common cause of tiredness We always ask: do you sleep sleep well? Has your sleep sleep pattern changed? Do you you know why you’re not sleeping so well? And too much sleep can make you tired as well Taking enough exercise is is really important if you want to sleep well ’ Alcohol
Marieke Been: ‘You don’t have to to stop drinking alcohol for the rest of your life But try it out sometime: what do do you you get out of it when you you don’t drink for a a a a month? This may motivate you to make healthier choices ’ Tired
‘People frequently think they are tired all the the time We react to to this this with “Can you link this this to to activi- ties? Can you influence this?” It often turns out there are times when they do have more energy ’ Boring advice
Annemiek Schadé: ‘We talk about what someone’s life looks like The solution to tiredness may simply be a a a healthier lifestyle Of course that’s boring advice
Less alcohol and drugs no television or computer right before sleeping going to bed and getting up at regular times ’ Acceptance
‘Some people lead difficult lives We can’t change all that But we often succeed in in making someone’s life a a bit more comfortable Sometimes people get to the the the point where they they have to accept that they they can’t change their their childhood or their their parents that it’s no longer possible to to run a a a a marathon or to to get a a a a high profile job Lowering your expectations can make you you feel better: your life is is fine as it is is ’ Which complaints are worth talking to to your doctor or or or HIV
nurse
about?
• Feeling sad or or empty for weeks on end
• • Unable to enjoy anything
• • • Anxiety
• • • Concentration problems • • • Sleep
disorders
• • • Can’t get out of bed • • • Eating disorders
• • Suicidal thoughts
If necessary your HIV
HIV
specialist or or HIV
HIV
nurse
can refer you you to a a a a a psychologist or or psychiatrist
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