How Can Creative Healing Help One Cope With HIV/AIDS?

For some individuals, navigating life after being diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can feel defeating. This can be especially so if one is having difficulty coping with a dual diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and co-occurring mental health conditions. Many individuals may fear judgment from others, have problems coping with negative stigma and stereotypes, and feel isolated from their peers. Although the effects of HIV/AIDs can negatively impact an individual’s mental health, choosing to move forward with Restoration Recovery can help. Participating in our creative healing program can change one’s life. Creative healing may provide several benefits and significantly improve their road to healing and achieving mental stability. 

What Is HIV/AIDS?

HIV is a virus that rapidly spreads throughout an individual’s body. The virus attacks the cells that work to fight off infection, making one more vulnerable to other infectious diseases. HIV can be easily spread through bodily fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, or vaginal fluids. This condition is most commonly spread during sexual intercourse. 

The virus may also be contracted when sharing needles or other types of drug equipment. If HIV is left untreated, an individual may be at an increased risk of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There is no known cure for HIV/AIDS as an individual’s body cannot naturally recover from the virus with home remedies or adequate rest. Therefore, once individuals contract the virus, they have the condition for the rest of their life. 

Fortunately, if an individual seeks medical care, their provider may most likely prescribe a daily medication. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) works to reduce the amount of virus in an individual’s bloodstream. This is done to decrease the virus in the blood level where it is undetectable by standard tests. 

The Negative Effects of HIV/AIDS on an Individual’s Mental Health

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), research has found that many individuals with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis are at an increased risk of developing problems with their mental health. The stress related to one’s condition can alter one’s mood and cause depression, anxiety, and other cognitive disorders. Many individuals with HIV/AIDS face problems coping with major depression. Living with an untreated mental health condition for a prolonged period can impair many different areas of one’s life. For example, an individual facing problems with HIV/AIDS may experience problems with their self-esteem, ability to stay motivated, and overall sense of well-being. 

HIV/AIDS has also been found to affect one’s brain and nervous system. The side effects of the condition and some medications used to treat the condition can negatively affect their ability to meet specific priorities. Some situations may play a part in the interference of their mental health. Some examples of this include: 

• Experiencing difficulty finding mental health treatment
• Problems dating or finding a partner who accepts their condition
• Feeling isolated due to a severe lack of support 
• Undergoing a job loss due to a decline in one’s health
• Embarrassment from telling a partner, family, friends, or a professional about their condition
• Feeling overwhelmed with HIV/AIDS medical treatment
• Facing discrimination, stigma, and hurtful stereotypes associated with their condition

What Is Creative Healing?

Moving forward after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS can be a challenging road to walk on. Depending on the severity of an individual’s dual diagnosis, sometimes choosing to move forward with psychiatric care may help. A specialist can work closely with their client to determine the best treatment plan. An individualized treatment plan can be highly beneficial for those who are facing challenges with their condition. This is where a professional works to tailor their services to the individual’s needs to increase the odds of one having a more successful recovery. 

Creative healing is a unique therapeutic modality that typically combines special counseling techniques and creative strategies within each session. It is a therapeutic approach that combines both conventional and holistic methods. Creative healing works to improve self-regulation and an individual’s overall mental health. 

Benefits of Participating in Creating Healing for Those Facing Problems With Their HIV/AIDs Diagnosis

Although living with HIV/AIDS may feel isolating for some individuals, considering mental health treatment can significantly improve one’s overall perspective of their condition. Creative healing at Restoration Recovery can help those who are having difficulty coping better manage the effects of their disease. It can also be hard for one to respond to stigmatizing attitudes and dangerous discriminatory behaviors from others. 

Participating in holistic method options provided by the facility chosen can also serve as a comfortable outlet for those who are feeling lonely in their journey to recovery. Holistic options may vary depending on what level of care may receive. Many holistic therapies are rooted in bodywork and mindfulness practices. They often give a more whole-person approach to enhance an individual’s ability to achieve mental stability. Holistic practices that can be combined with creative healing therapy techniques might include: 

• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Dance or movement therapy
• Yoga and meditation
• Relaxation

At our California recovery center, our serene setting helps clients achieve not just wellness, but wholeness. Established in May 2017 in Auburn, California, Restoration Recovery Center is a product of the desire of a group of experienced therapists who wish to help those facing challenges with their health. Our mission is to help people struggling with substance use disorder, mental health disorders, or dual-diagnosis disorders achieve long-term sobriety by offering treatment options that heal the mind, body, and spirit. Choosing the right treatment center for HIV/AIDS can be one of the most pivotal moments in your life. Call Restoration Recovery at (888) 290-0925 to speak with a professional to develop a comprehensive treatment plan involving creative healing.