Today's episode I will be talking about how I started opening up to friends I have herpes.
Remember, you are not alone! It might feel scary to admit you have herpes, but talking about things can really ease your mind.
You could lean on a close, non-judgmental friend that you trust to keep the conversation private. Family members can also be a source of comfort.
Remember, herpes is really common, 1 in 6 people in the US have herpes. So it could be possible the person you’re talking to has herpes, too. You know you got a friend in me!
The line of trust and fear is constant when you want to share something personal to someone. Yes I am sharing everyone my story but it took overcoming my fear of judgment to develop the courage to share at a bigger scale.
Herp A Derp is about moments like these. To be able to understand not all hiccups in life have to be brought up by fear, but how to learn to lighten up on us and rise above. To express when we need support and spread awareness, to not feel left out of the conversation, especially when it comes down to family health. Herpes is a common health issue and doesn’t define who you are.
To make your mind and body at ease (because Lord knows we don’t need another outbreak) here are some tips about how to handle to not-so-fun herpy derpy talk.
1. Keep your head up and stay positive
2. Herpes is a two-way street
3. Find a time and place
Which brings me to my forth piece of advice, never put someone down or go through the blame game. If you are afraid of your partner hitting you, Planned Parenthood suggested great advice to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 if you think you might be in danger. There is also the Herpes Resource Center Hotline: (919) 361-8488 to help you find more information and ways to talk about herpes. Another coping mechanism that helps me heal is humor.
Humor heals. You may hear me jokingly on Herp A Derp make my own herpes jokes. Humor is a way of healing for me. As my friends and partners have gotten used to my herpes humor, it is never ok for someone who doesn't have herpes to make fun of the person who does. Only the person who has it can laugh about it. Herpes is the “largest health epidemic no one wants to talk about” Its so different telling someone you have herpes over text or a phone call versus being in person. It felt good to say it out loud and in public. People need to know about herpes. When they are ready to here about it? Because truly, the joke is on them for being ignorant as hell. To have a human reaction and be raw and real about the reality of herpes. It is a victory of herpes awareness.
Do you know of any herpes jokes? When you are ready you are more than welcome to share privately through the podcast email herpaderppodcast@gmail.com or comment on the podcast episode. Everyone may not be the same ole story, but we are all in this together. Can't wait to see what you have shared.
Herp A Derp. A podcast about breaking the stigma on herpes and empowering the community. I'm your host, Erin Devost *As always, you can review my episodes on YouTube or find link to the channel on the podcast Instagram page @herpaderppodcast
