Overcoming Intellectualization of Your Herpes Diagnosis: Steps to Empowerment
So you think you might be intellectualizing your diagnosis, what now?
1. Cultivate self-awareness: begin to notice if and how your diagnosis impacts your day-to-day life. Can you go a day without talking about herpes/your diagnosis? Are you obsessively Googling? Are you constantly worried that every-little-thing might be an outbreak? Take some time to see how much of your diagnosis takes over your thoughts. Consider asking those closest to you if they’ve noticed a shift.
2. Consider a support group: with social media, this makes it a bit easier. Check out @hsvinthecityor a group like @ericasmith.sex.Ed’s Purity Culture Dropout!
3. Consider a Sex Therapist: many traditional therapists may not be the best equipped to discuss the specifics related to a herpes diagnosis. A sex therapist will have the knowledge and resources to discuss sexual shame and how to best make you feel understood.
Ultimately, I think all of this is best summarized by investing in yourself beyond your diagnosis. It doesn’t have to be a monetary investment, but just in caring for YOUR best self. You have herpes, you are not herpes, always remember that.
Thank you again to @sitwithwhit for the great posts on intellectualization that have inspired mine 💜