Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Negative thinking
I had a protected sex last year but somehow I developed a feeling that I got hiv because of that then after 1.5 years I got tested 4-5 times in rapid home test and 1-2 time in lab test..all came negative ..now I get a feeling that the needle was unsterilized and I will get hiv from that needle and that constant negative thinking is killing me..can anyone suggest me what to do?
Answers (8)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Hi
Next Steps
cognitive behavioral therapy
Health Tips
see bodily changes than mental thoughts ...in hiv condition people experience many bodily symptoms physiological in nature
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+129
Your tests confirm that you do not have HIV, so the fear you are experiencing is a result of health anxiety and intrusive thoughts rather than a medical problem. The negative thinking and constant "what if" cycle are part of anxiety patterns that keep repeating even after reassurance.
Next Steps
Remind yourself that repeated negative test reports are conclusive and reliable, and there is no risk from the situation you described. If the fear continues, it would be best to consult with a counselling psychologist like me, where we can work together on managing health anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and building coping skills.
Health Tips
Limiting repeated online searches, practicing grounding or breathing exercises when intrusive thoughts appear, and slowly shifting your focus toward healthy activities that calm the mind.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi, Consult a psychologist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi,
Itâs completely understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially after concerns about HIV transmission. However, since you have undergone multiple tests over the past 1.5 years, all of which have come back negative, the likelihood of you having contracted HIV is extremely low. The persistent negative results are reassuring, but the ongoing anxiety and negative thoughts can be very distressing. I recommend speaking with a mental health professional who can help you manage these fears and provide strategies to cope with anxiety and obsessive thinking. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often effective for reducing health-related anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Remember, itâs important to trust the testing results and seek support to alleviate your concerns so you can regain peace of mind.
Next Steps
Consult
Health Tips
seek help
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hello,
You have tested multiple times over 1.5 years and all results are negative. That is conclusive and means you do not have HIV from that encounter. What you are struggling with now is not infection risk but anxiety. Your mind keeps creating “what if” scenarios like unsterilized needles to feed the worry. This is very common with health anxiety and it can feel overwhelming. Please consider speaking with a psychologist because therapy can help you break this cycle of negative thinking and give you tools to feel calm and reassured.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi,
Your repeated negative tests already confirm you’re safe, but your mind keeps looping on “what if.” That’s anxiety talking, not reality. What helps is learning to break that cycle. through therapy, grounding skills, and gently challenging the fear instead of chasing more tests. You’re not alone in this, and it is treatable
It’s been 1.5 years now, and the result is negative, so you don’t have have the constant worry.
Next Steps
Understand the facts: repeated negative tests after the window period rule out HIV. Knowing this helps loosen fear’s grip.
Notice the “what if” thought, label it as anxiety, then gently redirect rather than argue with it.
Resist checking, Googling, or retesting. Each test fuels the loop. Practice sitting with the discomfort.
Use slow breathing, 5-senses check, or journaling when panic about HIV spikes
Work on anxiety management and obsessive thought patterns with CBT or similar structured therapy.
Health Tips
When the “what if” thought comes, gently say to yourself, this is anxiety, not truth.
Limit Googling or retesting, it feels like relief but only feeds the fear.
Write the worry down, then set it aside; your brain learns it doesn’t need to keep repeating it.
Stay anchored: notice 5 things you see, 4 you touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste. It pulls you back to the present.
Build calm routines walks, prayer, journaling, or deep breathing to remind your body it is safe.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
From what you describe, this isnât about actual HIV risk anymore, but about health anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Youâve already tested multiple times (including lab tests after the full window period), which makes HIV infection extremely unlikely. The recurring âwhat ifâ thoughts (first about sex, now about needles) show a pattern of anxiety rather than real danger.
Next Steps
Acknowledge it as anxiety, not reality â your tests are conclusive. Consult a mental health professional (psychologist/psychiatrist) for support with health anxiety or OCD-type thinking. Avoid repeated testing â it fuels the anxiety cycle. Trust the medical evidence you already have. Build coping skills â therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or anxiety management techniques can reduce the constant fear.
Health Tips
When the âwhat ifâ thought arises, practice saying: âThis is my anxiety talking, not reality. My tests are clear.â Limit Google searches and repeated checks â they reinforce anxiety. Journal your thoughts and rate anxiety levels daily â youâll start to see the pattern. Use grounding exercises (deep breathing, 5â4â3â2â1 senses technique) when panic builds. Stay connected socially and physically active, since isolation worsens health anxiety.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Connect with psychologist to discuss
Next Steps
connect
Health Tips
consult
Answered
Flag this answer
3/3 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.