Overcoming Herpes Shame & Stigma

I Told Everyone and the World Didn't End

A real conversation from the Herpes Opportunity community. For over 13 years, the H Opp forums were a safe space where thousands of people shared their most vulnerable moments. The forums have since sunset, but these stories live on. More in Overcoming Herpes Shame & Stigma
ShaeShaeCommunity Member

Hi all! Just wanted to jump on in a quiet moment that I'm having between my Facebook and phone straight blowing up! I was going to delay a little longer, not completely sure if I was ready. But with the encouragement of a couple of close friends, my counselor, and @JessikaRabbit89, I came out about 20 minutes ago!

The response has been overwhelming from the get-go! Nothing but love and support pouring in from all sides right now! I made the right choice. I did the right thing. Can't say without a significant amount of nervousness though. I couldn't sleep last night, knowing that I wanted to do this today. It felt like going to bed on Christmas Eve, the excitement was so intense! And now I sit here, having said what cannot be unsaid to all of my closest friends and family. My palms are sweating profusely. I'm shaking like a leaf. And nauseous as all get-out. But I did it! I did it and I'm glad!

@JessikaRabbit89. . . I could not have done this without you.

PositivelyBeautifulCommunity Member

ShaeShae, I am so proud of you.. that takes immense courage, and I am so incredibly happy for you. You have been working really hard, and I can see/hear a change happening, and you deserve all the happiness in this world!!!

ShaeShaeCommunity Member

Thank you so much for your kind words, @PositivelyBeautiful.

I know this is going to help me continue to turn things around. Am I still scared? Absolutely! Am I still riding the emotional waves of depression? Absolutely! But I feel relief right now. For the first time since my diagnosis. Like salve on a burn, I feel nothing but healing relief and a sense of not only purpose, but that this feeling of exhaustion and despair is lifting.

Mr_HoppAdmin

Ah, this feels SO GOOD to hear. There is a beautiful relief that happens (even in the midst of everything else that life is) when accepting ourselves comes before anything else. That's sowing the seeds of self-love. Now nurture the seeds, water them, give them tons of sunlight ... and watch the tree grow, sista! :)

I'm loving our little positive herpes community ... Just sayin' ... ;)

FLNewHCommunity Member

Wow! That is amazing! Congratulations! I really hope one day I can post this same message about myself! :-)

GoodIntentionsCommunity Member

Congrats, I'm sure it feels like a huge weights been lifted off of you. I would love to follow your lead but Im not sure I'm ready.

JessikaRabbit89Community Member

:D I know I just texted you but again I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!

ShaeShaeCommunity Member

Thank you @inka and thank you everybody! I have gained so much momentum today to keep moving forward.

whitedaisiesCommunity Member

Moving forward in a healthy direction with endless possibilities.

All the best!

jaynine87Community Member

Congrats!! I'm so happy for you. I wish I had a fraction of your strength and bravery. It takes a truly special person to be able to do that. I'm so glad you're getting nothing but support. It makes those of us still in the H closet feel a little better :-)

WCSDancer2010Community Member

Wow! Congratulations!

It's fascinating to me that all of our experiences seem to only have a GOOD response.... I would have expected a few "bad eggs" just because some people are jerks, yet we don't seem to have found any. More and more I am sure that if you can just declare your status with confidence and no shame, there is no space for people to attack you.

I LOVE IT!

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