Dallyd

Hi, sweetie. Getting diagnosed was, I believe, the root cause of my depression and anxiety. Just feeling like everything good and fulfilling in my life had been ripped away...so, absolutely, I feel your pain. I have been living with this diagnosis for almost 20 years, and, I have been through many different stages, including the 5 stages of grief...(*shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, *testing, acceptance). How many times have I bargained with some unknown deity to have my freedom and 'old life' back again? In reality, though, having this affliction can really help you to see things more clearly. I was headed down a bad path, when I was diagnosed. So, perhaps, it helped me redirect myself towards something more positive. All I know is, everything happens for a reason...nothing is accidental. I hold onto this mantra when times get tough.

I am an oldtimer in the herpes game, and, I can tell you, it definitely gets easier. I even put my status right in my dating profiles now...it WILL get easier, but, be as honest as your fear will let you be...(cause, really, the fear of rejection is the real thing we are trying to avoid). I have fumbled, denied, and, flat out hated my status as a person with herpes. I've done some shady things due to not knowing how to handle it. The most important person you need to be accountable to is yourself. If you can look yourself in the mirror, and still like the person you see, then you are on the right track. as honest as