Anger is another common and natural feeling related to being diagnosed with HIV. Many people are upset about how they got the virus or angry that they didn't know they had the virus. Many of these feelings and thoughts are often related to feelings of helplessness and being overwhelmed with the new diagnosis.

Ways to deal with feelings of anger and other challenges include the following:

• Talk about your feelings with others, such as people in a support group, or with a psychologist, social worker or friend.
• Try to get some exercise — like gardening, walking, or dancing — to relieve some of the tension and angry feelings you may be experiencing.
• Avoid situations — involving certain people, places, and events — that cause you to feel angry or stressed out.