Facts and figures about herpes aren’t difficult to come by on the internet. There are countless sources—governmental, medical, academic, and otherwise—which will enlighten you about the numbers involved: that there are 3.7 billion people less than 50 years of age in the world who have HSV-1 infection.
These sources will tell you that 417 million people of the same age in the world suffer from HSV-2. These sources will also tell you that 10 in every 100,000 births in the world are rare because the infant extracts neonatal herpes.
But none of these sources will enlist a number when it comes to talking about the mental health issues which are an integral part of the infection. Nobody talks about the stress, about the anxiety, about the crushing sense of worrying which accompanies the acknowledgement of symptoms.
But just because nobody talks about them doesn’t mean they’re not affecting a vast number of people.
These sources will tell you that 417 million people of the same age in the world suffer from HSV-2. These sources will also tell you that 10 in every 100,000 births in the world are rare because the infant extracts neonatal herpes.
But none of these sources will enlist a number when it comes to talking about the mental health issues which are an integral part of the infection. Nobody talks about the stress, about the anxiety, about the crushing sense of worrying which accompanies the acknowledgement of symptoms.
But just because nobody talks about them doesn’t mean they’re not affecting a vast number of people.
The First Shock
When people first find out they have herpes, there is a mélange of feelings which sweeps over them: there is shame, there is confusion, and there is deep fear. The idea that you won’t be able to cope with the issue is at the topmost of the many emotions and thoughts rushing through you.
The overbearing thoughts that you won’t be able to live a fulfilling life, that you can no longer have relationships or a marriage, that your life has all but ended—people diagnosed with genital herpes have all had these thoughts rush through them. The worse part of being afflicted with the virus isn’t just contracting the disease—but contracting the thousand poisonous thoughts which come with it.
The Stigma around STDs
Whether it arises from demonizing sexual relations or from refusing to delve in sex education, there is a general stigma with regard STDs, and that includes herpes. People feel not only saddened and ashamed but assured that they are no longer wanted once they have contracted the monstrous disease.
The Cure: Talk About It
The overbearing thoughts that you won’t be able to live a fulfilling life, that you can no longer have relationships or a marriage, that your life has all but ended—people diagnosed with genital herpes have all had these thoughts rush through them. The worse part of being afflicted with the virus isn’t just contracting the disease—but contracting the thousand poisonous thoughts which come with it.
The Stigma around STDs
Whether it arises from demonizing sexual relations or from refusing to delve in sex education, there is a general stigma with regard STDs, and that includes herpes. People feel not only saddened and ashamed but assured that they are no longer wanted once they have contracted the monstrous disease.
The Cure: Talk About It
You might be taking antiviral and seeing a physician for the physical side of the problem but what are you doing about the psychological side of it? The first step is to take a seat on the (figurative) balcony and think about your situation without pitying yourself for being caught in it.
Repeat to yourself the numbers: they alone tell you that STDs are common and that a huge number of people suffer from them. These are people with lives, careers, and partners. Giving up or wallowing in self loathing is never going to do you any good.
Once you have composed yourself, talk about it to those closest to you. Confide them in and ask them for their advice—the support will come in unconditionally. When talking to others, make sure that you are as calm and composed as if you were pitching to a client. Be comfortable enough in yourself to be able to disclose and discuss it with others.
Your Partner
There are only two ways you can end this matter with your partner, and both will tell you something about your partner and your future with them. If your partner really loves you and understands that herpes isn’t in fact the end of the world, they will help you through and take protective measures.
With them, it’s never a deal breaker, and you’ll know that you picked the right partner. If, however, there is a row or an emotional breakup, steel yourself for it. If somebody is ignorant and obstinate enough to not understand that herpes is manageable and not dangerous, you’re better off without them.
Need Help Coping with Herpes?
The Underground Cure will guide and help you in your journey of copping with herpes. From preventative measures to home remedies for herpes and herpes medicine, we’re here for you. Whether you need counseling or more information about the condition, feel free to contact us. We can be reached at (678) 824 - CURE (2873).
Repeat to yourself the numbers: they alone tell you that STDs are common and that a huge number of people suffer from them. These are people with lives, careers, and partners. Giving up or wallowing in self loathing is never going to do you any good.
Once you have composed yourself, talk about it to those closest to you. Confide them in and ask them for their advice—the support will come in unconditionally. When talking to others, make sure that you are as calm and composed as if you were pitching to a client. Be comfortable enough in yourself to be able to disclose and discuss it with others.
Your Partner
There are only two ways you can end this matter with your partner, and both will tell you something about your partner and your future with them. If your partner really loves you and understands that herpes isn’t in fact the end of the world, they will help you through and take protective measures.
With them, it’s never a deal breaker, and you’ll know that you picked the right partner. If, however, there is a row or an emotional breakup, steel yourself for it. If somebody is ignorant and obstinate enough to not understand that herpes is manageable and not dangerous, you’re better off without them.
Need Help Coping with Herpes?
The Underground Cure will guide and help you in your journey of copping with herpes. From preventative measures to home remedies for herpes and herpes medicine, we’re here for you. Whether you need counseling or more information about the condition, feel free to contact us. We can be reached at (678) 824 - CURE (2873).
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