• If you are thinking about some changes in your life, you do not need to do it on your own. Talk to your GP, counsellor or friend.
  • Consider your work-life balance. Changes can be gradual. Too much change can be stressful. It can be good to take one step at a time.
  • Talk to people who have made changes in their lives. This is where peer support can be useful. Think about joining or setting up an online group.
  • Peer support, other social groups or enrolling in a course may be a good way to make new friends. You might connect with someone you can meet outside of the group. Telephone or email can be another way of getting or giving support.
  • Don’t forget what you have been through. Our experiences can make us stronger.
  • Taking steps to change can help us focus less on ourselves and more on the bigger picture. This can help us to feel part of an everyday life. Check out your local community centre or council for training and volunteering opportunities.
  • Volunteering or helping others can help shift our focus from our own difficulties. It can also provide new contacts, skills and opportunities.
  • Reading, learning a new skill, doing voluntary work or a new hobby help to keep a positive attitude and an active mind.
  • Enjoy life’s ordinary pleasures - they can improve our health and quality of life. Simple everyday pleasures, like walking, swimming or having coffee with a friend can re-energise you.
  • Keeping a diary or calendar can help us structure our week.
  • Sometimes we need to get some professional help to deal with our fears, anger or depression. These can be barriers to taking the first step. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone apart from your partner, family or friends. Your GP can advise you on what is available through Medicare.
    Counselling services offer trained professional counsellors who are able to help you deal with issues in many areas of your life, including: grief and loss, relationships, depression and anxiety, stress management, personal development and growth, and general life concerns.
  • Keep up to date about your health so you can make informed decisions. Talk to your GP if you have got any questions about new treatments or side-effects.
  • As you grow older with HIV, there are a number of health issues we should monitor, including heart, blood sugar levels, skin cancer and blood pressure. Knowing a lot about HIV doesn’t necessarily mean we know everything there is to know about our health. Keep a look out for new information that can help you do this. Your local community health centre is a good place to start.
  • A healthy diet, regular exercise and stopping smoking can help us maintain good health. Talk to your GP or your local acon branch for healthy lifestyle programs.
    There are barriers that can get in the way of taking the first step like cost or transport. Think about where you can get help (e.g. BGF, Community Transport or food services).
  • Check out your local community health centre, community college or council for lifestyle programs such as walking – groups, exercise classes and other activities.
  • Some people talk about HIV burn-out where they lose connection with the need to care for themselves (e.g. taking their treatments). Talking to a peer, counsellor or your GP can help you to get back on track.
  • Don’t focus on limits - focus on what you can do.

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