How Can Mindfulness and Meditation Help Women Cope With HIV/AIDS?

Getting diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can make an individual feel deeply shameful. This is especially true with an STD that has no cure and is the most deadly intimate infection to contract. Even though an individual is not required to tell family or friends about their condition, they may still internalize societal stigma. Receiving hurtful judgment from a partner or loved one after opening up about their condition can also feel embarrassing, leading to problems with their mental health. Certain factors can play a wide role in why it may be difficult for a woman to cope with HIV/AIDS, but seeking mental health treatment can help. Many women have found peace after participating in holistic therapy at Restoration Recovery.

What Is HIV/AIDS?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that aggressively attacks the cells that assist the body in fighting off infection. This makes an individual more prone to contracting other diseases and deadly infections. HIV is often spread through contact with bodily fluids, such as blood from shared needles or unprotected sexual relations. It is important for an individual with HIV/AIDS to take human immunodeficiency viral suppression drugs or wear a condom to prevent exposure during sexual intercourse. 

If the illness is left untreated with antiviral medications, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS can be defined as an illness where an individual’s immune system is severely damaged. Studies have found that those diagnosed with AIDS generally survive up to three years after their diagnosis. If the illness is left untreated and an individual faces many opportunistic illnesses, it is estimated that their life expectancy may fall to approximately one year. 

What Outside Factors Make it Difficult for a Woman to Cope with HIV/AIDS?

Many women with human immunodeficiency virus are at an increased risk of experiencing trauma due to disclosing their positive HIV/AIDS status. Therefore, women fear violence and rejection from their community, families, and partners. Knowing this, it is common for some women to avoid getting tested for the virus or surrendering to professional treatment and care. 

It is also common for many women to feel helpless after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Fortunately, there has been increased awareness and programs available to the public to support those who are having trouble coping with their diagnosis. It can be helpful for some women to participate in community care while receiving professional treatment to enhance their mental health progress. Such programs can include benefits such as: 

• Prevent violence resulting from HIV status disclosure 
• Change social norms
• Prevent male violence against women
• Strengthen policy and legal frameworks outlawing gender-based violence
• Link HIV programs with community and social services

How Can Mindfulness and Meditation Help Women Cope with HIV/AIDS?

Different factors can make it incredibly difficult for some women to cope with HIV/AIDS. Although this is a common problem, there are various holistic therapies for one to explore for ongoing support. For instance, mindfulness and meditation is an enjoyable treatment option that has been proven to help women cope with HIV/AIDS. Mindfulness and meditation is a unique practice that increases self-awareness and focus in the moment without receiving negative interpretations or judgment. Benefits of mindfulness and meditation for HIV/AIDS include: 

• Improved mental health
• Better quality of sleep
• Improved clarity and cognitive function 
• Strengthened immune system
• Better relationships with loved ones
• Improved memory

The Importance of Staying Abstinent From Harmful Substances

Many individuals who fear coming forth about their mental and physical health commonly choose to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to cope with their condition. This only provides temporary relief and tends to backfire, making one’s overall condition much worse. Harmful substances have been known to worsen an individual’s immune system, making the effects of HIV/AIDS harder to manage without professional support. A dual diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and inadequate mental health can be challenging to treat, but it is possible. 

The Most Effective Holistic Care Options to Cope with HIV/AIDS

Restoration Recovery understands that those with HIV/AIDS may already be on antiviral medications and that the idea of psychiatric drugs in combination with antivirals (ART) may seem overwhelming. Our facility supports those who are seeking a more natural approach to treatment by offering holistic care solutions to promote strong mental health. Many holistic therapies are rooted in mindfulness and bodywork practices for true healing.

Each client at Restoration Recovery is evaluated when starting treatment to develop a unique recovery plan based on the individual’s needs. Mindfulness and meditation may not be for everyone, but there are plenty of other treatment options to explore. Other holistic care options that also give a whole-person approach include: 

• Art therapy
• Tai chi
• Dance/movement therapy
• Spiritual growth and development
• Cultural awareness
• Yoga
• Acupuncture
• Relaxation
• Nutrition lessons

At our California recovery center, our serene setting helps our clients achieve not just wellness but wholeness. You can expect to have your mind, body, and spirit integrated into your addiction treatment. At Restoration Recovery, we believe that unity, honesty, communication, and clinical support can work against the factors of addiction and other mental health conditions. Rather than just treating the disease, holistic treatment looks at an individual as a whole and introduces healing to other aspects of the person. By addressing other aspects of an individual, holistic therapy can promote overall well-being and support recovery from all types of conditions. Call us at (888) 290-0925 to see how mindfulness and meditation can help you.