Dying Parents: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - Essay Example

CHILDREN'S SUFFERING WHEN THEY ARE FORCES TO DEAL WITH PARENTS THAT IS DYING FROM AIDS TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 2- MENTAL DISORDERS AND AIDS 3- EFFECT ON CHILDREN 4- COPING WITH THE DISEASE 5- CONCLUSION The negative affects on children whose parents are suffering from AIDS/ HIV are many, some them being acute depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies. INTRODUCTION HIV/AIDS is a disease which has by now affected every corner of the world. It is considered to be fatal and millions of NGOs and government agencies are working to spread awareness among people about this fatal and deadly disease. However, what is spreading at an even faster rate is the disease itself and in many countries, especially the developing ones, like India and Africa, it has become a force to reckon with. AIDS is an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and is clear from its name, that the disease is characterized by a sudden and immense weakening of the immune system, which renders it vulnerable to all sorts and numbers of diseases, infections and cancers. As the immune system of a human body is gradually destroyed, the risk of its getting more diseases increases and the person loses his overall health to the disease. [International AIDS Society Communications Department (n.d)] AIDS is caused by a virus known as HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus. When a human body is infected by HIV, it attacks upon the healthy cells of the body such as the white blood cells that function to keep us safe from different diseases. It thrives and multiplies in those cells weakening and damaging the white blood cells and ultimately, the human body as it loses its protection shield. [American Psychiatric Association (n.d)] The HIV virus can be transmitted when the HIV containing fluids of one person transfer to another person. Thus, HIV can be transferred through sex, by sharing needles, syringes (especially, while drug abuse as it is done with precaution) etc, and new born babies with infected mother can also get the virus. HIV virus, however, doesn't thrive in a medium outside of a human body so according to known researches, it is not possible to get infected through external mediums, such as air and water. It is also known that insects do not carry the virus. [American Psychiatric Association (n.d)] [International AIDS Society Communications Department (n.d)] MENTAL DISORDERS AND ITS EFFECT ON CHILDREN In our fast-paced world where cut-throat competition prevails, people have seen a rise in the occurrence of emotional stress, distress and depression. However, people inflicted with a deadly disease such as AIDS are more prone to suffer from such mental disorders. The feeling of helplessness and depression is also because of the fact that most of the societies in our world have not learnt to accept people with AIDS. Certainly, it is not easy for them. This has, anyhow, proved to be more negative for patients with AIDS as they are not only going to be fight with a fatal disease for the rest of their lives but are also being treated as outcasts and aliens by their fellowmen. Even more worse is the fact that sometimes the virus itself make attack the brain cells which may result in a loss of memory among other things. [American Psychiatric Association (n.d)] "Every day, about 14000 new HIV infections occur everyday" [International AIDS Society Communications Department (n.d)] Looking at the vast and dismal number of people that are likely to get diagnosed with AIDS is not comforting. As AIDS have been publicized as an incurable disease, it doesn't come as a shock to know that most of the patients start suffering from depression. Depression, in its own right is a very harmful mental disorder. Its symptoms include loss of interest in daily activities, loss of sleep, appetite and weight. Considering that HIV weakens the immune system, if a patient also suffers from depression, it is unlikely that he is going to get any better as lack of sleep, appetite and diversions are going to adversely affect the immune system even more. People with AIDS become moody and uncooperative to people who even want to help them. They develop a negative attitude towards life and believe it to be a burden. Suicidal tendencies may also develop in patients, which is not very helpful for people and doctors who are treating them. For children, whose parents are suffering from AIDS, this is a very painful experience. Generally, children look up to their parents for support and encouragement. When the role is reversed, it becomes a kind of ordeal for the children. Firstly, they are not made for that role. Secondly, they might not know to whom to ask for help or things which are to be done. If their parents develop a negative attitude in the house or in their personal relationship, children are likely to suffer from a lot of psychological stress and anxiety. Some people may also leave doing anything and if parents leave their jobs and wear a mask of hopelessness, their children are likely to suffer in a number of ways. In developing countries, where this fatal disease is even more common, there is sometimes no internet access and no medium to ask for help. Usually, children will feel comfortable in acquiring help from the internet as it is more accessible and they do not need to share their identities, but there is no assurance that the help which they are getting is from an authentic source or not. Children will definitely experience problems while studying and in their social life. They are even afraid of their friends boycotting them because of the disease affecting their parents. People with AIDS are not really socially acceptable, especially in societies which are not aware of the disease, its symptoms, its required treatments and mode of transmissions. It is also difficult for NGOs and government agencies to function in undeveloped areas. Of the 14000 new infections, "95% of them are in low and middle-income countries" [International AIDS Society Communications Department (n.d)] Sometimes, HIV virus can disturb the brain cognitive function and cause HIV dementia. Mood swings and major depression are very common among such patients. To break away from all the pain and stress patients might even turn to excessive use of alcohol and drugs, which again is another of the worse situations. For children, it will be a very taxing task to deal with their own life without the assistance and support of their parents and it will be made more difficult for children who want to help their parents. [Freeman, M. (2004)] Bringing people out of depression is no easy task and special rehabilitation centres are made to help people do that. It is NOT a task that a child could deal alone, especially when both of the parents are infected and helpless. Facing boycott from family, friends and other members of the society will not halve their problems and the increasing chances are that, the children might even fall prey to substance abuse unknowingly without the guidance of their parents. The traumatic experience they will have to go through as children will definitely affect them in their later lives, careers, and personality. There is also the fear of losing one's parents to AIDS and that is no easy to fear to tackle with. Children might facing eating and sleeping disorders and may acquire some illness themselves. [Freeman, M. (2004)] "In a Zambian study, 82 percent of people who care for children of AIDS sufferers noted changes in the children's behavior during their parents' illness. Children stopped playing, became worried, sad and too tired to help at home. "[Freeman, M. (2004)] This study quite presents a dismal picture for the children whose parents are suffering from the disease. Children take on a positive attitude if they get appreciation and inspiration from their teachers, friends and parents. In case of their parents getting AIDS, their most vital source of comfort is lost. If friends ignore them, they feel frustrated and lose interest in healthy activities such as sports and studies. If they don't have access to counselors in their school, then they are practically left alone without any source of help which ultimately leaves them distressed, fretful and exasperated. "In Uganda, children were reported to feel despair or anger and were scared their parents would die. Once the parent died, orphans in Uganda and Mozambique suffered more depression. In Tanzania, 34 percent of orphans had contemplated suicide."[Freeman, M. (2004)] The researches made on such children is certainly disturbing and do not present a very pleasant study. The fear of becoming orphans lead children to harsh measures of tackling their problems. Unfortunately, if their fears do come true, they are left destitute and at the mercy of those around those children and orphan homes. Their present and future gets at stake and the mental trauma they have to go through may certainly be more than they could bear patiently. Money-minded relatives also do not take kindly to adopting children and might even try to snatch property and belongings left over by the parents. With such a sad picture of affects becoming obvious, it is imperative that more NGOs start working on a larger scale and use every medium possible to extend the hand of help. COPING WITH THE DISEASE AND DEPRESSION Despite the fact that AIDS is incurable and the mental illness that accompanies the disease is also hard to get rid of, there are certain measures which one can advise a patient to adopt to better his/her present living conditions. For children, becoming aware of the disease is the first step to help overcome their parent's and their own problems. They should ask guidance from teachers and adults for the names of some useful websites and books to consult. Some patients, when diagnosed with AIDS get in a state of denial and try to avoid taking precautionary measures. This is harmful as AIDS should be treated diligently and without delay. Children shouldn't think twice about asking for assistance from anyone and they should help their parents get out of their state of denial and accept the fact that they have to live with a fatal disease and fight it. For children, whose parents appear to be angry all the time because of their parents, should get some consultant for them to talk to. After relating their feelings, some of their frustration and anger might start leaving them. It is of course, obvious, that those children will have to play a more responsible role than their friends. [HIV InSite (2007)] Moreover, it is important that children also talk to their parents about the disease in a brave way and tell them about their concerns and worries. They are parents after all and will certainly try to help their children. This will take off a bit of long-term worry for children who might become more determined in helping their parents survive. [HIV InSite (2007)] One way of help their parents cope with the disease is to think of activities which their parents enjoy doing like gardening or it could be a sports or reading. Children should try engaging them in such activities and enjoy it themselves too. For their parents don't need sympathy from their children but love and support. [HIV InSite (2007)] It is important to note for children, that if things get out of hand, they should call the doctor immediately unhesitatingly as doctors would known what to do and how to get help. Children should also try calling some relatives over to help with the chores and take on some responsibility. This should take a lot of burden off the children's shoulders. [HIV InSite (2007)] One could also try joining some support group to share experiences with other and gain help. Some people who have suffered loss in the past make it the mission of their live to help others in need. It may prove to be advantageous for the children who do not have a clue about how to go on with things. [HIV InSite (2007)] What is even more important is that children proper take care of themselves in the first place. It is imperative that their studies and sports do not go neglected as these are things which are going to prove as tools for support in their future. If they feel guilty, frustrated or angry, they should try talking it over to people nearby, instead of being isolated from everyone and being locked up in their room. Being active socially will help keep up their spirits high, give them a feeling of self-esteem and acceptance and will drive away suicidal tendencies. If children continue to think of ways to help their parents, parents might also start getting a grip on themselves and will act more responsibly, like for example, they might give up substance abuse and might take some light part-time job to support the family. CONCLUSION AIDS is a fatal disease that is spreading world over at quite a speed. It is necessary to become aware of it and give love and affection to those who are suffering from it. It is undeniable that children, whose parents are suffering from the disease, have to go through a lot in a very early and immature period of their life. It is the time when their minds are developing and they are at a vulnerable stage. It is essential that they ask for assistance and it is the responsibility of the neighbours, relatives, teachers and friends who see such people around them to offer help and encouragement. It is the responsibility of every one regardless of their native country, cast and creed to join hands and provide support to the sufferers - the infected and the affected alike. For youth and students, one could offer to be volunteers at some support groups and should try to create awareness by the word of mouth. Depression, emotional stress and anxiety should be dealt away with immediately as they are main hinderances in the treatment of AIDS and other diseases. It is important to remember that one is not along and help is available but only when one seeks it. Many online forums and websites offer assistance and one could play a very positive part even by donating a small amount to such organizations. Sufferers have to remember that courage is what is needed to live a normal life. For the others, it is high time that they learn to take precautions in their daily life and try to join some rehabilitation centres if they are involved in drug abuse or drink heavily. References: American Psychiatric Association (n.d) Coping with AIDS and HIV, Healthy minds.org http://www.healthyminds.org/copingwithaidsandhiv.cfm Freeman, M. (2004) Links between HIV/AIDS and Mental Health, Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health (SAHA) Human Sciences Research Council in South Africa http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/Sex/diseases/aids_mental_health.asp HIV InSite (2007) Coping with AIDS/HIV: Mental health http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/insitepage=pb-daily-mental International AIDS Society Communications Department (n.d) 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment [www.ias-2005.org/admin/images/upload/537.pdf Read More