20 Years Old with Herpes and Scared

by Anonymous

Hi, I'm 20 years old and was diagnosed with herpes this morning and don't know what to do. I feel my life is over yet I still haven't fully realized the seriousness of my situation. I can't wrap my brain around what has happened to me.


I'm scared, angry, and sad I haven't told anyone and just looking for some support. I can't be normal ever again. I will always be judged from now on and to cope I turn to the bottle which isn't good cause it got me into this situation in the first place. I feel envious of the clean healthy people I know which isn’t nice. I just feel dirty and undesirable. I need help coping with this horrible disease and feelings I'm feeling.


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Dear Anonymous:

Your feelings are a very normal reaction to first getting diagnosed with Herpes.

I went through all these feelings and more after the diagnosis.

Usually it takes three to six months for the emotions to calm down so then you can start thinking more rationally again.

So hang in there. Take good care of yourself initially, be around positive people, treat your body well, and get on medication.

Joining a herpes support group can also be very helpful for getting over these feelings as you learn from other people who have got the virus.

Millions of people around the world have this virus and go on living their lives. The virus is treatable and is just a very minor skin condition.

You can still have sex, make out, and fall in love.

You`ll just have to take a few simple precautions.

This Herpes Survival Guide has some great tips on overcoming these negative emotions. Check it out.

Hope this helps!

Gary

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May 23, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cheer up
by: Anonymous

I'm 21, and I have recently been diagnosed. I was talking to a guy for a month, and he said he had been tested and that he was clean. Well, he lied. I gave him oral, and three days later my lip was swollen and tingly. It went away, so I thought nothing of it. Until a few days ago when I had a bump on my lip. I was totally freaked out and took myself to the doctor, and sadly it is HSV1.

I didn't know how I was going to tell my current boyfriend, but to my surprise he is being extremely supportive. He said it doesn't change how he feels about me, and that it could happen to anyone. Herpes is something you get. Not who you are. All it is, is a rash caused by a virus. So look at it that way. My boyfriend told me its no big deal, I'll just have cold sores sometimes. I have to be careful not to give it to him. But the fact he is being so caring helps sooo much.

I have broken down twice in front of him and both times he has hugged me and told me everything will be fine. Which is true. Everything will be fine, so remember that. I'm still trying to forgive myself. And you have to forgive yourself as well. We're human, and we make mistakes. It isn't the end of the world. You will find love. You will be ok, and so will I.

Mar 25, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Lost cause
by: Anonymous

I understand how u feel. I'm 20 as well I also have the urges to drink myself silly and never be with anyone ever again. I feel ashamed and hopeless and I'm here if u want to talk xo

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