Aids and Bereavement

People bereaved by AIDS are likely to be in special need of support by reason of the social situations that accompany this type of loss and the risk of infection in the survivors. Problems associated with grief, depression, and the misuse of medicinal and other drugs are common. Special problems arise when the bereaved are partners, spouses, or parents of the deceased. Issues requiring special attention include emotional overload in both clients and counselors, judgmental attitudes, secrecy, anger, guilt, and the vicious circles that easily arise and can perpetuate problems.