Last Updated on June 4, 2020 by Nancy Carteron, MD, FACR
Anonymous asks about a herpes diagnosis:
“Jenelle, how does someone accept having an incurable infection like this? It has been about a month since I have known, and I have been nothing but depressed. I have barely been able to get out of bed most days, and I have quiet often thought about suicide.
I just want my old life back. I feel like I can’t tell anyone about this, and I don’t know how I will be able to find someone who is accepting of this condition. I always assumed I would get married and have kids, and this just puts such a roadblock in front of all of that, and I am worried I will never have another relationship or sex ever again.
I am going through my second outbreak, and I am just concerned I will always have this reoccur, though I have read some people stop getting outbreaks after a while. I just want to go back to enjoying life how I was, but I am not sure how to get there. I feel like I had my life setup so well to be pretty happy and carefree, and I ruined it by making one stupid decision.”
What to Expect When You’re Expecting…a Podcast
In an effort to cater to short attention-spans (mainly, my own), we keep these podcasts between 5 and 15 minutes in length. When we have guests on the show, sometimes, they’re a little bit longer, but we know you’re busy. Consequently, we promise to always do our very best to be as concise as possible.
Today’s Podcast
Today’s podcast runs about 19 minutes in length, and we’re talking about a herpes diagnosis. Jenelle answers an anonymous reader’s questions after having been just diagnosed with herpes.
LISTEN in a new window > Herpes Diagnosis – Just Diagnosed? It’s Ok
APPLE > iTunes
ANDROID > One Click
GOOGLE > Google Podcasts
iHEARTRADIO > iHeartRadio
PODCHASER > Podchaser
SPOTIFY > Spotify
SPREAKER > Spreaker
STITCHER > Stitcher
TUNEIN > TuneIn
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- Free Suicide Crisis Text Link – text HOME to 741741
- Comprehensive Suicide Resource List with Links and Descriptions from the CDC
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Resources, list with links and phone numbers
Next time, I’ll be answering a reader’s questions about HSV2 exposure, risk of HSV transmission, and HSV testing. Stay tuned!
– – – –
What did you think of today’s podcast? Do you have a suggestion for an upcoming podcast? Or would you like to take part in an upcoming podcast interview/conversation via Skype or in person? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Alafia
Thank you for establishing The STI Project. When I first got diagnosed in June 2018 it was one of the most reassuring resources I found! Please continue to do the good work you’re doing.
Jenelle Marie Pierce (fka Davis)
I am SO glad you found us and we were able to help! We most certainly will continue. Thank you for taking a moment to let us know!