I have Herpes, now what?!?!
Receiving a new diagnosis of herpes can be overwhelming and leave you with many questions. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions such as shock, denial, anger, and sadness. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and there are resources and support available to help you navigate through this challenging time.
Here are some tips on what to do after a herpes diagnosis:
Educate yourself: The more you know about herpes, the better you will be able to manage the condition. Herpes is a common virus that can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Learn about the symptoms, transmission, treatment options, and how to reduce the risk of transmission to others. Know your triggers and try to take exquisite care of yourself.
Reach out for support: Herpes can be a socially stigmatized condition, but it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault and you are not alone. Join a support group, reach out to friends or family members, or speak to a therapist who specializes in herpes. Having a support system can make a huge difference in how you cope with a herpes diagnosis.
Take care of yourself: A herpes diagnosis can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of your physical and emotional well-being. Get enough sleep, exercise, and eat food that makes your body feel good. Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga. Additionally, practicing safe sex and disclosing your herpes status to sexual partners can help reduce stress and anxiety about transmission. Disclosure is an opportunity to build intimacy in your relationship.
Consider treatment options: While there is no cure for herpes, medication can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Talk to your healthcare provider about antiviral medications and their potential benefits and side effects.
Join a herpes community: There are many online resources and communities for people with herpes. Joining a community can provide you with information, support, and a sense of belonging. It can be empowering to connect with others who are going through a similar experience.
As a therapist who helps people cope with herpes, I have seen firsthand how difficult a new diagnosis can be. That’s why I created a self-paced course to help people manage their herpes diagnosis. The course covers topics like managing symptoms, reducing stress and anxiety, and disclosing your herpes status to sexual partners. There is also a community where you can meet others that also are coping with herpes. You can learn more about the course and my 1:1 therapy services here.
Remember, a herpes diagnosis does not define you. With the right resources and support, you can live a healthy and fulfilling life with herpes. You can even make it work for you. You just need the right supports to help.
Need tools and support to help you create a happy, fulfilling, enjoyable life after your Herpes diagnosis? Check out my self-led course, available for instant download.
