Herpes is a painful condition, and symptoms typically include pain in or around the vagina or penis with pain. It may be more noticeable when urinating or performing intercourse between sexual partners which severely affects the relationship later between two partners and causes depression due to its recurring nature leaving them with poor sexual quality, psychological issues related to HSV, feelings of shame, embarrassment, anxiety, or depression.

Coping with Herpes Diagnosis

A national study conducted in 2012 found that adults infected with HSV-2 were twice as likely to be depressed as adults who are not having it. Upon receiving a diagnosis of genital herpes, it is not surprising that people feel isolated with mixed feelings of anger, frustration, and then sadness.

They may not feel comfortable sharing these feelings with their partner or any close friends. They may become fixed on figuring out who passed the infection on to her. Feeling as though life is over and that enjoying a healthy sex life will never happen again creates further sadness and guilt.

Once these feelings of embarrassment pass and the emotional side of herpes has been dealt with, life with herpes will not seem quite as charmless. A little mindfulness regarding diagnosis and dealing with depression can help living with herpes a lot easier.

Dealing with herpes depression?

Remember that herpes is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people. You are not alone in your diagnosis, and many others are struggling with the same emotions. Once you realize how prevalent this condition is, it will feel less alienating, and you can begin to accept it.

You first need to embrace self-acceptance. It is a process that may take time, but one that can help you rein in feelings of depression you may be struggling with after knowing the disease. Herpes is not that big, but depression is a serious deal if you’re feeling it!

How to Overcome your depression and Mental Health?

Mental health of a patient badly suffers when it hears the word “Herpetic” and is often further complicated by the unfortunate stigma that is attached to the stress of having a “Sexually transmitted Disease.”

The First important thing to realize and admit that You are physically mentally and emotionally DEPRESSED!!!

Sometimes you feel like you will require psychological support to get over these health issues. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can get on with your life. Get help if you’re upset, depressed, or having suicidal thoughts. And call someone! Your close friend, any family member, or the one you feel most comfortable sharing this. If you’re feeling depressive all the time, life can’t go on with this diagnosis. Remember that symptoms of herpes can be controlled, thanks to antivirals available in the market. There may be some days when your condition does not allow you to have sexual intimacy, try to enjoy different things in that time, do not perform sex if it fives your pain and tell your partner about your symptoms.

If you feel like down in the dumps, get counseling immediately from a proper health advisory, or join a Herpes Support Groups on different platforms. By connecting to other people who are struggling with herpes diagnosis, just like you, you’ll quickly find out that you are not alone and able to share your inner feelings and fight with the fears and depression around you, knowing that you are not alone for the rest of your life.

Patient can benefit from treatment for it, which may include counseling, medications, or self-help therapies. It is imperative to receive herpes treatment not just for your mental well being but also to prevent further outbreaks of herpes, as depression and anxiety can disturb your immune system.

How to open up to your partner?

Of course, being open and telling a partner is extremely stressful, but not disclosing, it can be even worse. There is a chance you may be rejected if your partner finds out or that you may spread the infection to other partners. However, in a stable relationship, the two will find a way to learn about herpes, understands each other, and begin coping with herpes in a positive light. Again, it’s not a terminal condition. It is an infection that comes and goes more as a nuisance than any other disease.

Tell your partner what’s going on, ask your doctor how to avoid spreading it, and get support. If you find that it’s hard to get past feeling betrayed or down about the situation, you may want to talk with a counselor who can help you both to handle those emotions and talk about the concerns you may have regarding health, sex life, and relationship. And the outcomes of this disease if you wanted to get pregnant and transmission in newborn.