Compared to most, I suppose I'm still new to the world of HIV. I was diagnosed in November 2002. After 4 years, I have started feeling like I'm ready to give it up and let the virus take its course. Thoughts pop into my head such as, "just stop taking the meds." I know this is very selfish of me, but I'm just so tired of trying. My concentration, my physical health, my job... sometimes it all just seems very overwhelming and I get ready to just throw in the towel. Not sure if anyone else has felt that way.

Many people have felt that way at times. If this is a transient feeling, then maybe you would be helped by talking to others in a similar situation or getting some other type of support. If you feel this way persistently, then it may be a sign of depression. When depressed many people feel hopeless, have problems with concentration, feel overwhelmed and consider just giving up. This is a sign that you may need an evaluation by a mental health professional, who can give you an opinion as to whether you would benefit from treatment.