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Herpes & Forgiveness

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In this week's support group call, our discussion centered around a topic that resonates deeply with many of us - forgiveness. A member shared a significant moment when she reached out to the person who gave her herpes, expressing her forgiveness. This act, born out of a conversation we had in a previous emergency call, highlighted a crucial truth: forgiveness is the key to overcoming the challenges that come with a diagnosis.


Initially, a herpes diagnosis can be overwhelming, inundating us…

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Choosing Yourself Over Rejection

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When we receive a herpes diagnosis, it's not uncommon to feel paralyzed at the thought of dating. I know I certainly did. I remained in a relationship for two more years than I should have, mainly because I didn't know how to disclose my condition, and I was overwhelmed by the fear of rejection.

Over the years, as I've spoken to thousands of people since starting "Life With Herpes" in 2017, a recurring theme I've observed is the tendency to push away someone we're genuinely interested in. This …

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Navigating Trauma, Applied Neurology, and Healing: A Personal Journey

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In a recent interview, Elisabeth Kristof shared her transformative journey through applied neurology, shedding light on the profound connection between our nervous system and overall well-being. Elisabeth's story begins in Austin, where she ran movement studios and recognized the pivotal role of the nervous system in movement science. This realization led her to dive deep into applied neurology, becoming certified and immersing herself in the field.

Initially, Elisabeth applied her newfound e…

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Herpes as a Filter: Transforming Your Life beyond the Diagnosis

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In those first, overwhelming moments, it's entirely natural to feel as if your world has come crashing down. The weight of fear, uncertainty, and the mistaken belief that your life is forever altered can be all-consuming. However, what you may not realize is that this diagnosis is far from the end; it's a profound opportunity to transform your life. It's a chance to initiate the changes that have been waiting to happen.

On a recent support group call, a major theme emerged: using herpes as …

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How Can Dating with Herpes Be Liberating

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This week in oursupport group, we had a heartfelt discussion about dating, and more specifically, dating with herpes. I remember the initial feelings I had when I was first diagnosed - the fear that I'd never find love again, the worry that nobody would want me, and the concern that I'd be viewed as disgusting or "damaged goods". But amidst all the uncertainty and anxiety, something remarkable happened: I started to gain a newfound self-confidence and a fresh perspective on dating.

Before her…

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Why Would Someone Want to Sue for a Herpes Diagnosis?

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Dealing with a herpes diagnosis can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience. The shock, anger, and frustration that often accompany this diagnosis can lead some individuals to consider suing the person they believe is responsible for their herpes infection. In recent times, a notable lawsuit drew attention when a woman received a substantial $2.4 million settlement due to her herpes infection; you can read about it here. This case, along with others, highlights the growing interes…

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Herpes Awareness Day 2023

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It's herpes awareness day 2023! We often talk  about herpes 101, herpes stigma, dealing with herpes outbreaks, dating with herpes and being pregnant with herpes! 

Today, we're taking a different route and discussing some lesser-known facts about herpes. Here we go.

Herpes in animals

Herpesviruses can infect a wide range of animal species, both vertebrates and invertebrates. Here are some examples of animals known to be affected by herpesviruses: Chimpanzees and Gorillas; Horses;  CatsDogs; …

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Living with Herpes: Navigating Parenthood and Love

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Being newly diagnosed with herpes can be an emotionally challenging experience, especially for parents who worry about transmitting the virus to their children. It's common to feel like your entire body is contagious and that the fear of passing the virus on to your loved ones, especially your baby, is overwhelming. This fear can make you question your ability to love and be loved, and it can hinder your ability to fully embrace parenthood.

To address these fears, it's crucial to understand h…

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Herpes Diagnosis: From Punishment to Empowerment

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Have you ever been handed a diagnosis that made you feel like it was the ultimate punishment? That's how I felt when I was diagnosed with herpes. I believed I deserved it, that somehow I had brought it upon myself. But over time, I realized that dwelling on this belief was not helping me move forward. Instead, I chose to shift my perspective and embrace the idea that getting herpes happened for me, not to me.

It's not easy to change the way you view something as stigmatized as herpes, but mak…

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Discovering Strength and Wisdom: What Would You Tell Someone Just Diagnosed with Herpes?

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This week, during one of our support group calls, we delved into a profound question: "What would you tell someone who was diagnosed with herpes?" The answers flowed freely, reflecting personal journeys and heartfelt insights. What surprised me most was the overwhelming kindness and love that infused these responses.

Our community shared stories of their own experiences, illustrating that living with herpes can be a path to profound self-discovery, newfound confidence, and unexpected wisdom…

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