Blog
From Rain Clouds to Sunshine: Navigating the "Eeyore Phase" on Your Path to Acceptance
Navigating the Eeyore Phase: A Journey from Diagnosis to Acceptance
This week on our support group call, we welcomed new members. It always warms my heart to see new faces and know they are being supported by our community. We all know how lonely, lost, and scared we feel when we’re first diagnosed. Finding the Life With Herpes support group offers a place to grieve, connect, laugh, share our stories, and grow. So, welcome to the new members.
Among those joining us were individuals newly d…
Herpes Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction
Debunking Common Misconceptions About Herpes
Herpes is a common condition, but it’s surrounded by numerous myths and misconceptions. These false beliefs can create unnecessary fear, stigma, and misunderstanding. In this post, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about herpes and provide accurate, fact-based information to help you understand the condition better.
One prevalent myth is that only promiscuous people get herpes. This is simply not true. Herpes can affect anyone, regard…
Understanding Your Herpes Diagnosis: First Steps and Resources
Navigating the Initial Shock and Finding Support
Being diagnosed with herpes can be overwhelming and scary. You might feel a mix of emotions—fear, confusion, and even isolation. But remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you navigate this new chapter in your life. In this post, we'll guide you through the first steps after your diagnosis and provide valuable resources to support your journey.
The first thing to do after receiving a herpes diagnosis is to t…
Arginine-Free Diet: Is It Possible and What Are the Benefits and Consequences?
Exploring the Impact of Diet on Herpes Management
Managing herpes through diet is a common approach for many people living with the virus. One dietary strategy is to follow an arginine-free or low-arginine diet. Arginine is an amino acid that can promote the replication of the herpes virus, and reducing its intake may help manage outbreaks. In this post, we'll explore whether an arginine-free diet is possible, its benefits, and potential consequences.
Arginine is found in many foods, including…
If You’re Suddenly Getting More Outbreaks, What Could Have Changed?
Identifying New Triggers and Adjusting Your Management Plan
Experiencing an increase in herpes outbreaks can be concerning, especially if you've previously had them under control. Identifying what has changed and adjusting your management plan accordingly can help you regain control of your condition. In this post, we'll explore potential new triggers for herpes outbreaks and provide strategies for managing these changes effectively.
One of the most common reasons for a sudden increase in outb…
Embracing Self-Worth and Acceptance: Transforming Life with Herpes through Support and Self-Discovery
This week on our support group call, we had some great conversations about acceptance, self-worth, and dating. Of course, it started off with talking about herpes and some herpes-related questions, but as we dove deeper into the conversation, I wanted to outline how getting herpes was an opportunity given to us to learn our self-worth.
Understanding Self-Worth Through the Pennies Analogy
Let's use the example of pennies. It takes 100 pennies to make one dollar. Our goal is to get to the do…
Does Herpes Have a Smell?
Understanding Symptoms and Hygiene Practices
One common question about herpes is whether it has a distinct smell. Understanding the symptoms of herpes and maintaining proper hygiene can help you manage your condition more effectively. In this post, we’ll explore whether herpes has a smell and provide tips on hygiene practices to keep you comfortable and confident.
Herpes itself does not have a specific smell. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes outbreaks of sores and blisters, which ca…
Navigating Herpes Outbreaks – Insights from Our Support Group
This Week's Highlights on Herpes Management and Support
Welcome, everyone! This week, our support group was thrilled to welcome several new faces. Seeing the community grow is always heartening—it means our message is reaching further and that more individuals are ready to find support and understanding about living with herpes. If you're new here or have been with us for a while, remember, being diagnosed with herpes is not the end of the road. It doesn't confine you to loneliness nor does…
Navigating Resentment and a Herpes Diagnosis: Understanding and Overcoming Emotional Challenges
Navigating Resentment: My 13-Year Journey with Herpes and Emotional Healing
This week on our support group call, I opened up about my herpes diagnosis. This week marks my 13-year anniversary of being diagnosed with herpes. I'm not going to say time flew by, and I'm not going to say time heals. In fact, time does not heal the situation; it just allows you to pick up more situations in your life that need more immediate attention. Think of it as a compounding effect. What heals the situation …
Navigating Disclosure: How to Tell Your Partner About Your Herpes Status Despite Their STI Jokes
Empowering Yourself to Have the Conversation You Deserve
This week on our support group calls, we had some new members. Welcome!!! As you know, I love our Monday support group calls, and I get so excited when we have new members. To me, this means that someone is ready to heal their deep wounds, begin learning how to handle their diagnosis, and start changing their life. When we're diagnosed, we feel like we've been given this huge curse and that it's something we will never get over. It's …