Blog
Healing Shame: Exploring the Nervous System and Herpes Stigma
Shame is a complex emotion deeply ingrained in our psyche, often serving as a protective mechanism to shield us from perceived threats to our social connections. However, while it may offer short-term protection, prolonged feelings of shame can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. This blog explores the intricate relationship between shame, our nervous system, and immune function, particularly in the context of a herpes diagnosis. It delves into the ways shame manifests …
Valentine's Day & Herpes
This week's icebreaker led us to explore feelings about Valentine's Day, particularly considering the impact it can have on those diagnosed with herpes, especially those who are recently diagnosed. The idea behind initiating this discussion was to recognize that the concept of love can be particularly triggering for individuals grappling with a herpes diagnosis.
Beyond the superficial aspects of the holiday—like cards, chocolates, or roses—I wanted to delve into the deeper realm of lo…
Dark Chocolate Day: Effect of Chocolate on Herpes
Celebrating Chocolate Month: Exploring the Richness of Dark Chocolate
February is not just the month of love; it's also the month dedicated to celebrating the delectable goodness that is chocolate. As we delve into the world of chocolate during this Chocolate Month, it's intriguing to explore the complex relationship between dark chocolate and health, with a specific focus on how it may impact individuals living with herpes.
The Ancient Elixir: A Historical Dive into Chocolate
Chocola…
Understanding Cervical Health Concerns with Herpes Outbreaks
Cervical health awareness, spurred by screening methods like Dr. Georgios Nikolaou Papanikolaou's 'Pap smear,' has been crucial in early detection, particularly in cases where symptoms are absent. However, for women with cervical herpes, often characterized by the presence of HSV1, HSV2, or, in rare instances, both cervically, the lack of visible symptoms can lead to undetected outbreaks, typically discovered during routine Pap exams.
In the case of cervical herpes, which can involve either…
Herpes: Shifting from Victimhood to Empowerment
This week, our support group welcomed new and familiar faces, including a member celebrating their 4-year "Living with Herpes" anniversary. It's heartwarming to witness our community grow and evolve while maintaining the same unwavering support for those navigating a herpes diagnosis. Our discussions delved into the complexities of emotions such as victimhood, shame, and empowerment, sparking a powerful conversation about discovering the core issues that herpes brings to the surface and how …
Embracing the Journey: Life, Faith, and Herpes
In the tapestry of life, certain threads can lead us to unexpected places, challenging our perceptions and reshaping our understanding of self-worth, relationships, and societal norms. Lindsey Ellyn's candid revelation about her herpes diagnosis serves as a poignant narrative, weaving together themes of healing, faith, and the courage to break free from the stifling chains of stigma.
Lindsey's journey begins with the profound realization that her worth extends far beyond the lab…
How Do I Deal with Herpes Shame?
This week's support group calls welcomed numerous new members (yay) and those recently diagnosed with herpes (welcome). For those of us who have walked this path, the initial diagnosis wraps us in a veil of shame, creating a fog that seems impenetrable. The beauty of the Secret Society Support Group lies in the collective experience, boasting over 70 years of combined wisdom from individuals living with herpes. Personally diagnosed with HSV1 in 2003 and HSV2 in 2011, I've traversed two decades o…
National CBD Month: Highlighting CBD's Benefits for Herpes Relief
January marks National CBD Month, dedicated to raising awareness about CBD and its remarkable benefits. Despite the widespread recognition of CBD's advantages, there are still individuals preferring pharmaceuticals over this beneficial aid. The aim is to educate more people worldwide about the advantages of CBD.
History and Rise of CBD
For years, CBD, derived from the cannabis plant, was stigmatized due to legal bans on cannabis. However, scientists recognized its potential benefit…
Can You Be Perfect with Herpes
The support group call this week delved into a topic we rarely discuss but is profoundly relevant - perfectionism. This hit close to home for me, being an only child and feeling the pressure to conform to an ideal persona. The journey of striving to be perfect has been a constant in my life, and the diagnosis of herpes brought a new layer of complexity to this pursuit of flawlessness.
Perfectionism often stems from external expectations, whether from family, peers, or society. Seeki…
Navigating Pregnancy with Herpes: Understanding Concerns and Recommendations
As we embrace the new year and Pre-Pregnancy Awareness Month, it's crucial for women diagnosed with herpes to navigate their pregnancy journey with awareness and proactive measures. Herpes, a common viral infection, can present specific concerns during pregnancy due to potential risks associated with the virus.
Concerns for Women with Herpes During Pregnancy
- Transmission Risk to the Baby: The foremost concern revolves around the possibility of transmitting the herpes virus to the bab…