I am a 22 year old woman and I have Genital HSV 1.
I’m scared.
I’m scared of touching my body.
I’m scared of someone else touching my body.
Im scared of my body.
I’m scared that no one will want me.
Because right now I feel like nothing more than just damaged goods. And why would someone want that?
At the end of the day I know it’s just a stigmatized skin condition that causes inconvenience when it comes around, but that stigma is enough to make someone feel like they’re beneath a pile of s***
I’ve been trying to be positive about it and I’ve made a list of things that help me get through it:
1. I have a great weapon to use against my enemies (obviously a joke)
2. Subconsciously, I used sex to find love and would rush into things. This can help me slow down and actually connect with someone mentally and emotionally and not have meaningless sex.
3. This doesn’t define me or who I am.
4. I can use this to take a break and focus on what’s important. My career, bettering myself, family, friends.
5. It’s forcing me to take health and nutrition more seriously.
I just feel like I took my my body for granted.
I’m scared, but I know everything will be okay, especially after reading everyone’s experiences.
I guess I just need some reassurance.