I Have Herpes and I'm Over It

I was diagnosed as a carrier of the Herpes Virus two years ago. After a year of feeling miserable and depressed about it I decided to start talking. I told everyone in my life and not only did I find acceptance and support but I found many other people who had it as well.

I realized that the problem with having Herpes is not the outbreaks. The problem is that it makes you feel like you are alone. No one talks about it and the social stigma makes you feel much worse than the actual symptoms of the disease. This is my effort to change that.

If you have recently been diagnosed I hope this helps you accept that life goes on after Herpes. I have many words of advice but it all boils down to this: "Get Over It". I don't mean that sarcastically. I mean that when I finally got sick of feeling depressed and down about it I decided that I wasn't going to let Herpes determine how I felt about myself. And I wasn't going to be ashamed about it. I got over it and so will you.

If you have been recently diagnosed

Herpes causes recurring minor skin irritations for the majority of its carriers. Although it cannot be cured, its symptoms can be suppressed to the point of insignificance with modern, inexpensive medicine. The part that the clinic doesn't seem to help you with however is your state of mind.

Learning that you have Herpes can be emotionally very difficult. I have read many online postings of people newly diagnosed with Herpes and their emotional state ranges from anger to serious depression. These reactions are understandable but please know that you will move on.

Herpes doesn't change who you are. You may have to take medication to control your outbreaks. You may have to have some uncomfortable conversations with your partners. But ultimately Herpes is a minor annoyance to the vast majority of its carriers. It won't stop you from loving and it won't stop others from loving you.