Navigating Emotional Shifts After a Herpes Diagnosis: Embracing the Journey
It’s natural for someone’s emotional experience to shift upon receiving a herpes diagnosis.
While someone might be largely “over” the stigma, there still may be certain days or experiences that are especially triggering or that serve as reminders of difficult times.
I recently discussed the concept of masterclasses as it relates to herpes and STI stigma. I do not believe that we can ever really “master” stigma, especially when it still exists in the world around us.
I think we can move through it, and that there are times when we feel empowered by our experiences, but there still might be moments that start the healing process again.
Maybe you’re rejected. Maybe you got an outbreak for the first time in a while. Maybe it’s the anniversary of when you received your diagnosis. Maybe someone you love laughed at a herpes joke, or worse, made one.
Grief is present. It might not be constant, but like healing, it is not linear.
If you find yourself moving in and out of these feelings, know that it’s natural, and that you aren’t alone.