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Monday call Insights
Unmasking Trauma: The Hidden Impact of a Herpes Diagnosis
Today in our support group, as always, we had some enlightening conversations. Both the morning and afternoon sessions delved into topics like acceptance, forgiveness, and the journey toward moving forward. While these discussions are undoubtedly important and have been covered in past blog posts, today I felt compelled to address the trauma that many of us carry following a herpes diagnosis. Some may liken this experience to PTSD, while others may recognize it as a manifestation of the body's…
Navigating Trauma and Healing: Insights from Elisabeth Kristof on the Role of the Nervous System
The Intersection of Trauma, Healing, and the Nervous System: Insights from Elisabeth Kristof
In recent conversations led by Elisabeth Kristof, the founder of Brain Based Wellness and an expert in neurosomatic intelligence, participants delved into the profound relationship between trauma, healing, and the nervous system. Through these discussions, valuable insights emerged, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying our responses to stress and adversity.
Understanding the Nerv…
Exploring the Synergy of Supplements: Insights from Natural Cure Labs Founder, Damon
This week's support group call was particularly enlightening with Damon, the esteemed founder of Natural Cure Labs, gracing us with his presence. As someone who has collaborated with Damon since 2019, I can attest to his integrity, expertise, and unwavering commitment to providing supplements for individuals with immune issues. For those who had the opportunity to join our call, it was evident why Life With Herpes exclusively endorses and collaborates with Natural Cure Labs.
Damon discussed h…
Unveiling the Connection: Herpes, Thyroid, and Epstein Barr - A Personal Journey with Coach Sarah Joy
This week's support group call was truly transformative as we welcomed Coach Sarah Joy, a passionate advocate on a mission to unravel the complex correlations between herpes, thyroid issues, and Epstein Barr. Her personal journey, marked by struggles with 25 symptoms, shed light on the profound negative impact these conditions can have on our well-being.
As you know, I typically write a blog post that reflects on our call this week, I thought I'd outline the blog post a bit differently and do…
Navigating the Eeyore Phase: A Journey to Self-Love After Herpes Diagnosis
This week during our support group call and on social media, the recurring theme has been centered around the challenges of leaving a relationship or starting to date again after a herpes diagnosis. The initial fear of feeling unlovable often stems from past hurts, making the diagnosis seem like the ultimate confirmation of being cursed to a life of loneliness.
In this blog post, we'll address this common struggle and discuss what I refer to as the "Eeyore Phase." As we delved into this topic d…
A Story of Breaking from the Shame of Herpes
This past week’s support group call surpassed all expectations, marking a memorable moment for our community. We were thrilled to welcome Lindsey Ellyn, the celebrated author of "The Shame Game," and a previous guest on the Life With Herpes Podcast. Her presence brought an unparalleled level of engagement and insight, reflecting the essence of what we aim to achieve with our bi-weekly live support groups: fostering a supportive community and providing a platform for open dialogue and growth.
Th…
Forgiveness: Overcoming the Hurdle of Herpes in a Relationship
This week's support group discussions delved into profound healing conversations. Our morning group had so many people from all over the world and we shared experiences about the initial herpes diagnosis, while the evening call focused on the challenging journey of forgiveness and staying with a partner after contracting herpes. So for this week's blog post, we'll explore the complexities of overcoming the hurdle of forgiveness in the context of a herpes diagnosis within a relationship.
Lack …
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…
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 …
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…