Herpes Impact on Your Feelings
Initial Emotional Reaction For many people, the emotional impact of herpes can be more distressing than the physical symptoms. Initially, herpes can impact how people see themselves, and cause worry about how others will see them. It’s common to feel anxious, depressed, isolated, angry, fearful of rejection, unattractive and disinterested in sex, however these feelings significantly diminish over time for most people.
Reach Out — Don’t IsolateSeeking support from a medical practitioner, friend, support group or sex therapist can greatly ease your adjustment to living with herpes. You don’t have to face this alone.
The Meaning of Herpes Having herpes does not mean you are defective, tainted, unlovable, damaged goods, or fated to a life without sex. Having herpes does mean you have a very common, chronic, yet manageable skin condition. Remember, 45 million people have adjusted to living with herpes. You will, too.
Herpes Impact on Your Feelings was written based on our experiences of clients at the Center for Growth / Sex Therapy in Philadelphia