Coping with the result

Don’t feel you have to cope with the result of your HIV test alone. We’re here to offer you support, and you’re free to choose the type of support that works for you. This includes support if you've received a negative test result.

First reactions

If you have just received a diagnosis that shows you have HIV then you’re probably quite shocked and finding it hard to take in information. After all, there’s going to be some changes in your life.

HIV can be a world full of medical terms and jargon that are hard to understand. It doesn’t help that you might be trying to learn what all these things mean while coming to terms with your diagnosis.

How treatment has changed HIV

Although there will be changes in your life, it’s important to remember that it’s still your life. Changes in therapy and the management of HIV mean that it’s possible to live a full and long life with HIV. 

Since the widespread introduction of combination therapy, people have been living longer with HIV. Every day the life expectancy of people with HIV is increasing: some people have been living with HIV for over 20 years (and counting) with the help of combination therapy.

Where THT fits in

We can offer all kinds of support in coming to terms with your diagnosis:

• THT Direct can give you emotional support throughout the day, seven days a week, whenever you need it.
• We can book you onto a course for people who have been recently diagnosed with HIV.

How to get in touch with us

You can call THT Direct on 0845 1221 200 between 10am and 10pm on Monday to Friday, and from 12 noon to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Find out more about THT Direct and how we can help.

What if you haven't got HIV?

Some people find a negative test result hard to cope with. We can offer you advice and support through this time too.