It is a reality that many would prefer to forget, but one that requires constant attention: deaths from AIDS still happen. In a world with significant advancements in HIV treatment, it may seem counterintuitive that people continue to lose their lives to complications arising from the syndrome. However, the numbers and the stories behind them paint a complex picture that demands in-depth and, above all, humanized analysis.

Imagine the impact of decades of research, the development of effective antiretroviral therapies, and global awareness campaigns. Certainly, the landscape of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has transformed radically. From an almost certain death sentence, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic condition for many. However, the battle is far from over. The persistence of deaths raises crucial questions about access to treatment, late diagnosis, stigma, and the social inequities that still plague various communities.

The truth is that, globally, hundreds of thousands of lives are still claimed each year due to AIDS. In Brazil, although we have seen remarkable progress, vigilance cannot be relaxed. With every statistic, there is a person, a family, a grieving community. Understanding the reasons why these deaths continue to occur is not just a statistical exercise but a fundamental step to strengthen prevention, treatment, and care strategies.

This article aims to delve into this sensitive yet essential topic. We will explore the latest data, the underlying causes contributing to ongoing mortality, and the challenges we still need to overcome. More than that, we will reflect on how emotional health plays a crucial role in the journey of those living with HIV and how complementary approaches, such as scientific hypnosis, can offer valuable support.

At the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, we firmly believe that everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help improve. The journey of living with HIV, or even the fear associated with the disease, can be a significant source of distress. Addressing these aspects is an integral part of healthcare that aims not only to treat the disease but to promote quality of life and overall well-being.

Current Overview of AIDS Deaths: A Sad Reality

The persistence of deaths from AIDS still occurs, even in an era of significant advancements in medicine and available therapies. Recent data from organizations like UNAIDS show that, in 2023, the world recorded about 630,000 HIV-related deaths. In Brazil, the scenario is no different, with approximately 10,338 deaths occurring in the same year. These numbers reflect a complicated reality, despite progress in antiretroviral therapy (ART), which has transformed the infection into a chronic and manageable condition for many.

In previous years, global and national mortality rates showed decreases, but the truth is that deaths from AIDS still happen, revealing a continuous challenge. ART, which has proven effective, still faces barriers to access. Many people do not have early diagnosis and therefore start treatment in advanced stages of the infection. This compromises their chances of survival and control of the virus.

Testing is another fundamental aspect. When people do not have access to HIV tests, the detection of the disease often happens late, increasing the risks of death. Additionally, adherence to treatment is not always guaranteed, being influenced by social factors, economic issues, and misinformation about the disease and therapy.

Moreover, the presence of comorbidities, such as opportunistic infections or chronic diseases, can further worsen the health status of patients, making treatment more complex. Thus, the scenario becomes even more concerning when we consider that deaths from AIDS still happen not only due to misinformation but also due to stigma and discrimination that hinder access to proper care. Therefore, it remains a struggle against invisibilities that persist in society. The path to eradicating deaths from AIDS is still long, but awareness and equitable access to healthcare are crucial steps in this journey.

Factors Contributing to AIDS Mortality Today

Even though there are significant advancements in treatments for HIV, the reality is that deaths from AIDS still happen. Several factors contribute to the alarming rates of HIV-related mortality. One of the main ones is late diagnosis. It is common for many individuals not to get tested or seek medical help until the infection is in an advanced stage, severely compromising their immune system and hindering their response to treatment.

Another critical factor is adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Many patients face challenges in continuing to use medications, whether due to the influence of social factors, side effects, or even a lack of understanding about the importance of therapy. Without effective commitment to treatment, the virus can progress, increasing the chance of fatal complications.

Comorbidities also play a crucial role. Coinfections such as tuberculosis and viral hepatitis, or chronic conditions like diabetes, can worsen the health of those living with HIV, making treatment even more complex and risky. Additionally, the aging population living with HIV has presented another challenge, as individuals living longer with the virus may develop age-related complications that significantly impact their health.

Viral resistance, although less common with modern treatments, remains a concern. HIV can adapt and develop resistance to medications, which can limit treatment options and increase mortality risks. Finally, the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV hinder access to testing and treatment, affecting the mental health of patients and their willingness to seek essential care.

Thus, each of these factors is a fundamental piece in the puzzle of deaths from AIDS still happen, revealing that despite progress, there is a long way to go to eradicate this sad reality.

Scientific Hypnosis: Alleviating the Emotional Burden of HIV/AIDS

Scientific hypnosis emerges as a valuable ally for those facing the challenge of HIV/AIDS, offering emotional support that complements traditional medical treatments. Although hypnosis does not cure HIV infection, it can alleviate the stress and anxiety that often accompany diagnosis and treatment. The definition of hypnosis, as adopted by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), describes an intentionally induced state of consciousness that facilitates greater receptivity to suggestion and focused attention.

The emotional challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS can be overwhelming. Constant concerns about health, fear of discrimination, and the distressing uncertainty about the future can intensify the emotional burden. From this perspective, hypnosis can help promote:

• Reduction of stress and anxiety: Hypnotic techniques can assist in breathing and relaxation, providing relief in the face of emotional pressure.
• Quality of sleep: Hypnosis can induce a state of deep relaxation, improving sleep patterns that are often affected by stress.
• Management of chronic pain: Many people living with HIV face pain; hypnosis can be a useful tool for managing this pain.
• Strengthening emotional resilience: By working on how they interpret and react to situations, individuals can develop a more positive self-image.
• Adherence to treatment: Changes in thinking and automatic behaviors can lead to greater adherence to necessary therapies.

According to the principle of the SBH, “everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help.” It is essential that this technique is practiced by qualified health professionals, ensuring an ethical and evidence-based approach. Thus, hypnosis presents itself as a complementary strategy, providing a safe space for individuals to explore and improve their emotional well-being in the journey of living with HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion

The realization that deaths from AIDS still happen is a call for continuous action and deep reflection. We have seen that, despite undeniable advances in medicine, a complex web of factors, ranging from late diagnosis and treatment adherence to the weight of stigma and psychosocial challenges, contributes to this sad persistence. We cannot allow familiarity with the HIV/AIDS epidemic to make us complacent. Each lost life represents a collective failure to ensure universal and equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and, crucially, comprehensive care.

The journey of those living with HIV is often marked by a significant emotional burden. Chronic stress, anxiety, and fears associated with the condition can undermine quality of life and even the effectiveness of treatment. It is at this point that scientific hypnosis, as advocated and practiced by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, emerges as a valuable tool. By focusing on the human capacity to alter perception and response to thoughts and sensations, hypnosis can offer relief and strengthen the individual’s internal resources.

Remember our motto: ‘Everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help’. In the context of HIV/AIDS, this translates into assisting in managing anxiety in the face of the disease’s challenges, modulating pain perception, improving sleep quality, and strengthening therapeutic adherence by working on thoughts and automatic behaviors that may be barriers to self-care. Scientific hypnosis, integrated into evidence-based practices, enhances health outcomes, always within an ethical and professional scope.

The fight against HIV/AIDS requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses not only the biomedical dimension but also the emotional and psychological well-being of affected individuals. Health professionals trained in scientific hypnosis can play a fundamental role in this humanized care, helping to alleviate suffering and build healthier and more resilient pathways. We believe that empowering more professionals with this tool is an important step toward providing even more comprehensive and effective support.

Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even to have a new profession? Discover the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of AIDS deaths still occurring in Brazil?

AIDS deaths in Brazil are often linked to late diagnoses, meaning many people do not seek testing until the disease is in an advanced stage. Other factors include low adherence to antiretroviral treatment, financial difficulties, comorbidities, and the social stigma surrounding the condition. These barriers hinder access to healthcare and compromise treatment effectiveness.

How can scientific hypnosis help people living with HIV/AIDS?

Scientific hypnosis can bring significant emotional benefits to people living with HIV/AIDS. By reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and assisting in pain management, this practice offers valuable support. Additionally, hypnosis can increase treatment adherence by helping to change thoughts about the condition and motivating healthier behaviors.

Is there a relationship between social stigma and the increase in AIDS deaths?

Yes, social stigma plays a crucial role in the increase of AIDS deaths. Many people living with HIV face discrimination, which can lead to reluctance in seeking testing and treatment. This situation results in late diagnoses and non-adherence to treatment, worsening the chances of fatal complications. Overcoming stigma is vital to improving public health related to HIV/AIDS.

What challenges still need to be overcome in the fight against AIDS?

The main challenges include ensuring equitable access to treatment, increasing early testing, combating stigma and discrimination, and improving adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Additionally, it is essential to address socioeconomic factors affecting access to health. These actions are crucial to reducing mortality rates and improving the quality of life for people living with HIV.

Why is scientific hypnosis an important complement to HIV/AIDS treatments?

Scientific hypnosis is an important complement because it addresses the emotional aspects of living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to traditional medical treatments, it helps manage stress, promote a positive self-image, and improve treatment adherence. This holistic approach ensures that patients not only treat the condition but also take care of their emotional well-being, resulting in better quality of life.