Herpes and Depression: How To Feel Better

Herpes and Depression is a common reaction to a herpes diagnosis.

It is quite easy to get absolutely horribly sad and bummed out after this diagnosis.

It can feel like your dating life is over.

But it's not. Up to one in six adults have genital herpes.

People with genital herpes or oral herpes go on to date, get married, stay married, and yes, even have lots and lots of sex!

Herpes is not that big a deal.

However, depression is a really big and serious deal if you're feeling it!

Here's some tips for dealing with the feelings of herpes and depression after a positive diagnosis of herpes.

Tips for Dealing with Herpes and Depression

1. Admit you're depressed. The feelings are overwhelming, that's the problem with depression. It's no wonder they say depression is like a dark cloud that follows you around everywhere. Admitting you're feeling horrible is half the problem.

Now these feelings will go away with time, but in the meantime you can acknowledge you feel just terrible. You've got good reasons to feel that way.

2. Go get help if you're really depressed or suicidal. And call someone! If you're feeling life can't go on with this diagnosis, it's time for some help. These feelings are serious! Herpes is not that big a deal, a skin condition that is treatable. It won't kill you. But suicidal thoughts and depression can! I just lost a cousin to suicide and it hurt so many people in my family. So call a psychologist, ask your family for help, or call a hotline.

Get some help. Many people need psychological support to get over issues like this. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can get on with your life.

Here's some U.S suicide prevention numbers and/or websites:

a. Suicide Prevention Lifeline

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Phone Number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

b. Hopeline (they have taken over 5,000,000 calls)

www.hopeline.com

Phone Number: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

c. Here's a global hotline service:

www.befrienders.org

They have numbers from around the world.

d. Here's a list of some more international numbers:

Suicidehotlines.com

3. Get on Suppressive Medication as soon as possible. Research indicates that as soon as you go on suppressive medication such as Valtrex or Acyclovir, the faster your outbreaks will go away and you will feel emotionally much better sooner. So in other words, taking some action to suppress the virus, will help you emotionally heal and recover.

4. Ask a doctor or health professional STD questions. Asking your questions to a health professional that knows about STD's can also help you feel better. You'll learn the facts which won't make you so emotional about things. Westover Clinic with Terri Warren specializes in answering questions about STD's. Give them a call and say Happy-with-Herpes sent you.

5. Join a Herpes Support Group ASAP. By connecting to other people who are struggling just like you, you'll quickly find out that you are not alone. A big part of the fears and depression around Herpes is that you will be alone for the rest of your life, and that no one will love you. Well, that is not the case. Joining an online support group will be a wonderful opportunity to meet other people, make friends, and maybe even meet someone special.