Without support, these feelings can spiral out of control and undermine both your health and quality of life.
For some people, a herpes diagnosis may even lead to depression.
This article starts by explaining what herpes is and what to expect if you’ve experienced a first outbreak.
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Herpes Impact and Management
If you have herpes, you are not alone.
HSV-1, more commonly associated with cold sores, can be spread to the genitals byoral sex.
Herpes is neither a life-threatening illness nor one that will necessarily impact your life over the long term.
For most people, the firstoutbreakwill be the worst.
After that, the frequency and severity will tend to taper off.
This is especially true if your first outbreak was triggered by HSV-1.
As such, you should not blame yourself for getting herpes or be accused of being “irresponsible.”
Similarly, you could’t necessarily blame someone for giving you herpes.
Moreover, even withcondoms, HSV can be passed through skin not covered by a condom.
Among them, the very act of disclosing your status to a sexual partner can be extremely stressful.
On the other hand, avoiding disclosure can have even greater consequences iftransmissionoccurs.
This is where your healthcare provider can help.
Herpes and Depression
Research suggests there may be a link between herpes and depression.
A 2020 study found that there was also an association between HSV-1 and depression.
Some people with herpes are more prone to depression than others.
What to Do
Depression is a disease.
you’ve got the option to’t wish it away or pretend that it isn’t there.
Whatever the cause, you might benefit from treatment.
This may include counseling, medications, or self-help therapies.
The first step is recognizing that there is a problem.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes - CDC fact sheet.
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