Can Gratitude Really Make Living HIV+ a Little Easier?

It may be a bit overwhelming to hear the phrase, "Be grateful." Although it's the time of year where gratitude often shifts to the forefront of our minds, it may feel difficult. After all, if you're living HIV+, the challenges you're facing may be anything but easy. So, what's all the fuss about gratitude? Could it really help make being HIV+ feel a little easier?

Many studies provide research on the effects of gratitude. It may surprise you to know the results are powerful. For example, some report the benefits of practicing gratitude to be life-changing. Being HIV+ can lead to a variety of issues, including anxiety and depression. On the contrary, research indicates being grateful year-round can help combat symptoms of each. So, is there a correlation between the two, or is that a bit of a stretch?

Let's talk about what science tells us about how the effects of gratitude could intertwine with being HIV+.

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The Role of Gratitude in Being HIV+

Life and Love with HIV is a community for those who are HIV+. Wynne ST talks about incorporating gratitude into her life and how gratitude helps her feel a part of the world. Likewise, she says gratitude is an action word.

The National Library of Health says a staggering 39% of HIV patients suffer from depression. So, could gratitude really help combat symptoms? The answer is possibly, yes.

Psychology Today explains the science behind gratitude. Thanks to technology, neuroscientists can monitor endorphin levels by using a special MRI sensor. They can see that shifting thoughts from negative to positive elicits feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine. Likewise, it helps to build long-lasting personal connections. As you internalize the messages of gratitude, you may notice this tool becomes even more powerful.

For clarity purposes, we are not saying gratitude is a cure for depression or anxiety. In fact, there is not a cure for either. However, with therapy, medication, or both, millions of people live and function well in their everyday lives. So, how does this apply to being HIV+? All the same, filling your heart and soul with gratitude by reflecting on what is going right in your world can help change your mindset. As a result, it may truly help your load feel lighter.

When Being HIV+ Weighs You Down

Like news of any chronic illness, it can flip your world upside down to find out you're HIV+. As a result, it's important that you know that you are not alone. Likewise, taking care of your mental health will become as vital as your physical health. Now is a great time to begin practicing daily gratitude.

To start, you may consider keeping a journal. The purpose may be to write down your feelings and end with a gratitude list. Maybe you prefer to keep it solely for thankful thinking. Likewise, you may consider keeping track of how shifting your focus helps lighten your load, even temporarily.

Gratitude won't erase the hard stuff, take away your HIV+ diagnosis, or cure you of your physical ailments. However, it may help improve your mental health in a variety of ways. Likewise, we know there is a strong connection between the mind and the gut, so you may notice some improvements in your physical health as well.

Finally, with good mental health, you're more likely to practice self-care, make better eating choices, and sleep better. Therefore, practice gratitude daily and see how it impacts you. The results may surprise you.

If you're HIV+ and need support, our caring therapists are here for you. Living with a chronic illness can poorly affect your mental health as much as your physical health. At Thrive Counseling Atlanta, we may be able to help. Please visit our website or call us today.