I was just diagnosed with genital herpes on Wed. July 2. It has almost been a week now, but I am having a difficult time forgiving myself. I know it will take time. But, can you tell me how you have dealt with your herpes and how one can truly forgive themselves? I only feel shame and embarrassment, and a bitterness and sorrow about my future relationships.
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Q: living with genital herpes, how do you forgive yourself?
Answers (1)
7/ 8/08 3:05am
Hello and thanks for posting:
I can't emphasize enough that you need to give yourselve plenty of time to truly come to terms with being diagnosed with herpes. Most people acknowledge that a lot of things "take time," but very few are truly patient!
I know right now you are feeling shame and embarrassment, but you'll probably feel a lot of other emotions over the coming months too, such as anger, sadness, betrayal, maybe some confusion....whatever you feel, it is all normal and you'll move back and forth between emotions.
I agree that some of your best help will come from other people who live with herpes. Penelope James has posted some honest and inspiring SharePosts on this site, so please read those.
Also, remember that knowledge is power. There are a lot of misconceptions about herpes, so be sure you explore every link on this site! A good place to start is Genital Herpes: The Basics.
Dr. Charlotte Grayson is a physician and Expert on this site. She wrote some excellent SharePosts about managing outbreaks and telling a new partner about having herpes.
It is tragic that there is still a stigma surrounding herpes. It is an unfortunate disease, not a sign of your personal worth or character.
I hope others of you reading this will respond to this topic and share what you have done to move towards self-forgiveness.
Regards,
Dr. Jennifer Fee
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By herpesucks— Last Modified: 10/22/10, First Published: 07/07/08
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