HIV and Mental Health

I was recently approached by a writer for Yahoo's Associated Content to answer a few questions about HIV and mental health in children and youth and it's been published at this link.

Here's a good chunk from the interview, let me know what you think!

What type of a mental and emotional impact does HIV on a child?
"A child who is HIV positive has to cope not only with his or her own uncertainty of their future health but also their parents' anxiety. The stigma associated with HIV makes it extremely difficult for the child and their family to be open about the illness to relatives, friends, and loved ones. In fact, in many cases, the child him or herself may not be aware of their own diagnosis. As a therapist and social worker, I met many mothers who were concerned their child would let it slip that they were HIV positive or that someone in their family was HIV positive to teachers, school friends, or fellow church goers. The burden of holding such a painful secret follows the child through each of their milestones particularly as they enter adolescence and the world of dating and the inevitable questions of sexual intercourse. It's not uncommon for HIV positive youth to be dealing with depression, suicide, anger, and self-imposed isolation."

How can a child with HIV cope with their condition?
"First, parents or guardians can create an environment that actively refutes the stigma of HIV, whether or not the child is aware of his or her diagnosis. When the parent feels the child is old enough to have good judgment regarding disclosure of the diagnosis to others, it is important to very sensitively and carefully explain the HIV status to the child and allow the child to ask any and all questions he or she might have particularly surrounding the concept of mortality. Make it clear to the child who he or she can turn to for support and make certain these individuals are prepared and able to answer tough questions. Families may find that there are support groups for HIV positive children and their HIV negative siblings at their hospital or clinic, which can provide an outlet for youth to talk with peers who have a unique understanding of one another. There are also many summer sleep-away camps that have medical facilities on site to care for children with illnesses, allowing these kids to have a typical summer camp experience that they may not have been allowed to have otherwise. It's important for the child to be given opportunities to be a kid, first and foremost."

What type of professional help is available for a child infected with HIV?
"Unfortunately, the answer to this question is somewhat dependent on the personal financial resources of the family. For youth who can afford it, they can certainly seek out a psychotherapist who can be a non-judgmental sounding board, someone who the child doesn't have to worry about worrying. Therapy can help the child to develop strong, positive coping mechanisms and encourage self-esteem even in the face of societal stigma. However, youth with limited resources may not be able to access mental health services so readily. Particularly now, when public and foundation funding is moving more and more towards prevention and away from direct services. It is becoming more difficult to find qualified professionals in non-profits who provide free or low-cost mental health care. Moreover, health departments often pay more attention to the mental health needs of adults over children, again, limiting the resources available to HIV positive youth."