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Navigating Trauma, Applied Neurology, and Healing: A Personal Journey
In a recent interview, Elisabeth Kristof shared her transformative journey through applied neurology, shedding light on the profound connection between our nervous system and overall well-being. Elisabeth's story begins in Austin, where she ran movement studios and recognized the pivotal role of the nervous system in movement science. This realization led her to dive deep into applied neurology, becoming certified and immersing herself in the field.
Initially, Elisabeth applied her newfound e…
Herpes as a Filter: Transforming Your Life beyond the Diagnosis
In those first, overwhelming moments, it's entirely natural to feel as if your world has come crashing down. The weight of fear, uncertainty, and the mistaken belief that your life is forever altered can be all-consuming. However, what you may not realize is that this diagnosis is far from the end; it's a profound opportunity to transform your life. It's a chance to initiate the changes that have been waiting to happen.
On a recent support group call, a major theme emerged: using herpes as …
How Can Dating with Herpes Be Liberating
This week in oursupport group, we had a heartfelt discussion about dating, and more specifically, dating with herpes. I remember the initial feelings I had when I was first diagnosed - the fear that I'd never find love again, the worry that nobody would want me, and the concern that I'd be viewed as disgusting or "damaged goods". But amidst all the uncertainty and anxiety, something remarkable happened: I started to gain a newfound self-confidence and a fresh perspective on dating.
Before her…
Why Would Someone Want to Sue for a Herpes Diagnosis?
Dealing with a herpes diagnosis can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience. The shock, anger, and frustration that often accompany this diagnosis can lead some individuals to consider suing the person they believe is responsible for their herpes infection. In recent times, a notable lawsuit drew attention when a woman received a substantial $2.4 million settlement due to her herpes infection; you can read about it here. This case, along with others, highlights the growing interes…
Herpes Awareness Day 2023
It's herpes awareness day 2023! We often talk about herpes 101, herpes stigma, dealing with herpes outbreaks, dating with herpes and being pregnant with herpes!
Today, we're taking a different route and discussing some lesser-known facts about herpes. Here we go.
Herpes in animals
Herpesviruses can infect a wide range of animal species, both vertebrates and invertebrates. Here are some examples of animals known to be affected by herpesviruses: Chimpanzees and Gorillas; Horses; Cats; Dogs; …
Living with Herpes: Navigating Parenthood and Love
Being newly diagnosed with herpes can be an emotionally challenging experience, especially for parents who worry about transmitting the virus to their children. It's common to feel like your entire body is contagious and that the fear of passing the virus on to your loved ones, especially your baby, is overwhelming. This fear can make you question your ability to love and be loved, and it can hinder your ability to fully embrace parenthood.
To address these fears, it's crucial to understand h…
Herpes Diagnosis: From Punishment to Empowerment
Have you ever been handed a diagnosis that made you feel like it was the ultimate punishment? That's how I felt when I was diagnosed with herpes. I believed I deserved it, that somehow I had brought it upon myself. But over time, I realized that dwelling on this belief was not helping me move forward. Instead, I chose to shift my perspective and embrace the idea that getting herpes happened for me, not to me.
It's not easy to change the way you view something as stigmatized as herpes, but mak…
Discovering Strength and Wisdom: What Would You Tell Someone Just Diagnosed with Herpes?
This week, during one of our support group calls, we delved into a profound question: "What would you tell someone who was diagnosed with herpes?" The answers flowed freely, reflecting personal journeys and heartfelt insights. What surprised me most was the overwhelming kindness and love that infused these responses.
Our community shared stories of their own experiences, illustrating that living with herpes can be a path to profound self-discovery, newfound confidence, and unexpected wisdom…
Finding Freedom and Wholeness Beyond Herpes: Breaking Free from the Eeyore Phase
This week on our support group calls, both in the AM and PM, we delved into a common struggle that many of us have faced—the relentless fog of our herpes diagnosis. We've coined it the "Eeyore phase." It's that time when the weight of our condition seems unbearable, when we question our self-worth, and when we feel like life has taken a dark turn. But here's the thing—we know we don't want to stay stuck in that gloomy place. We're starting to muster the strength to lift the fog.
One aspect th…
Embracing Resentment: Your Journey after a Herpes Diagnosis
You've just received a herpes diagnosis, and a whirlwind of emotions is surging through you. Anger, fear, and confusion may be the dominant feelings, but what you're experiencing is entirely normal. In this blog post, we're going to delve into these complex emotions and help you understand that resentment, at its core, is often rooted in jealousy. You're not alone in this journey, and by seeking support, like the Life With Herpes Secret Society, you'll find a glimmer of hope and the tools to nav…