Navigating Daily Life, Coping Mechanism of HIV Patients

Abstract

Living with HIV presents numerous psychological and emotional challenges that significantly affect the well-being of individuals. These challenges stem not only from the physical symptoms and side effects of antiretroviral therapy but also from critical psychosocial factors such as stigma, depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Stigma remains a central issue, as prejudice and moral judgment exacerbate mental health problems and hinder help-seeking behaviors. This study aimed to identify the psychological and emotional difficulties faced by individuals with HIV/AIDS, assess their coping mechanisms—particularly those related to emotional processing and support-seeking—and evaluate the role of social support systems, including family, friends, and community organizations, in improving mental health outcomes. A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2024 was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The findings revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress among people living with HIV, with stigma being a major contributing factor to isolation, anxiety, and depression. Effective coping strategies, including family support, participation in support groups, and personal emotional regulation, were identified as critical to improving mental health. The study underscores the importance of reducing stigma, fostering social support networks, and promoting adaptive coping strategies to enhance the psychological well-being of individuals living with HIV.