I was seventeen when I first found out I had genital herpes. It was one of the most heartbreaking and difficult times of my life. It seemed like my world was suddenly brought to a screeching halt, as if some grand force had just taken away my entire sense of security.
My doctor had discovered the virus in a regular checkup. One look at me and they could tell I was terrified, my heart was pounding in my chest and my breathing was rapid. Luckily, they were understanding and assured me there are treatments available to control the symptoms and minimize the risk of passing it on to another person.
One of the first things I had to do was work on my emotional response. I was overwhelmed with fear and doubt, and it took some time for me to learn to accept the situation and allow myself to have hope for a good quality of life. With the help of my therapist, I eventually found ways to cope with the news and be kind to myself.
Finding a strong support system was also important for me. Talking to family and friends was reassuring and made me feel taken care of. I also started attending meetings at herpes support groups, where I could connect with others who shared my experiences. It made me feel less isolated and more empowered to take action steps towards improving my overall quality of life.
As I learned more about the virus, I made changes to my lifestyle to reduce my risk of contracting further infections. I took better care of my overall health, intensified my hygiene routine and wore loose-fitting clothing to prevent skin irritation. I made sure to regularly get tested, and if any side effects developed, I sought medical attention right away.
Now, I’m more confident and strong. I no longer feel like my diagnosis has full control of my life, and I’m proud to be part of a community that offers so much support and understanding. Although it wasn’t an easy process, I’m grateful for the journey and all it has taught me.
Categories: Emotions, Self-Care, Surroundings