Herpes did NOT ruin my life! A positive outlook:

Hello i am 19f and a long time lurker in this sub. 90% of the posts here talk about how they are depressed about their diagnosis and that they feel their life is over but i want to share a different perspective.

I have hsv-1 and i suspect i have had one genital outbreak although the results were inconclusive. other than that one outbreak i have not shown any symptoms and quite frankly, my life has not changed.

i have been seeing someone for 4 months now who i disclosed to the second i got my blood test results, he got tested as well and turns out he has it too (has never had symptoms). i’ll be honest, it was extremely tough for a little while but we educated ourselves and were both willing to continue the relationship and take precautions if symptoms arise.

i live a healthy and happy lifestyle and don’t think about my diagnosis often and when i do, it’s not in a negative way. doing proper research was both scary yet soothing and i’m glad im educated now.

I just want people to know, especially young people, that your life is absolutely not over. it’s the harsh truth that your life will not be the exact same pre-diagnosis but it can get pretty damn close. it’s 90% a mental game and it takes a strong person to get through it but you will!

Please feel free to message me if you need to talk! I’m not particularly wise but am happy to help 🩷