Our hearts sink when we learn that we have genital or oral herpes. It is easy to feel completely alone and as though no one understands what we are going through. This is exactly how I felt in 2011 when I was diagnosed as having genital herpes.

This alone feeling doesn’t help. When we feel alone, we can fall down the rabbit hole and create worry that leads to anxiety or depression. This is the Eeyore stage when you are just diagnosed with herpes. We feel like Eeyore when we are diagnosed. We feel like Eeyore, with a raincloud hovering over our heads. Our days seem to be destined for nothing. It was a place I felt stuck for two years. It was horrible and I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through that.

These are the 3 things to do if you have just been diagnosed with herpes.

1. Learn about herpes. It is not a life sentence. Yes, it’s an annoying blister. Understanding what herpes means and how it works will help you to digest your diagnosis and learn about your triggers. You will find tons of information on Life With Herpes. Keep searching the archives.
2. It is important to get the right treatment. You can get antivirals from your doctor. These antivirals have been FDA approved to reduce the spread of herpes and help speed up recovery from an outbreak. There are other natural remedies that you can use to treat your herpes infections. You can use essential oils, Epsom salt baths, or supplements to help with this. These are links to some of my favorites: Secret Society Wellness Products Lysine and Monolaurin.
3. Find a community to support you. As I said earlier, being alone is not a good environment. This is what we feel when we get diagnosed. We feel completely alone and like nobody understands us. There are many support groups available, but I believe the Life With Herpes Support Group to be the best. You can find a group that resonates with your needs so you can make friends, share what’s bothering you, and get the support you need. It will be the best decision that you have ever made.