This podcast episode features an interview with Monique Darnell, a licensed professional counselor and author of the "STD Mental Health Handbook." Our discussion focuses on the mental health and emotional aspects of dealing with a herpes diagnosis, including the stigma, shame, and trauma that can arise. Darnell shares her personal experiences and insights on how to approach self-acceptance, manage emotions like anger and resentment, and ultimately view a herpes diagnosis as an opportunity for...

In this episode titled "4 Things I'm Doing to Uplevel My Life Despite Having Herpes," Alexandra Harbushka shares four key strategies for improving overall well-being while living with herpes. Firstly, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep, suggesting techniques such as avoiding screens before bedtime and wearing blue light glasses. Next, she discusses the significance of nutrition, including the benefits of consuming whole foods, avoiding certain oils high in omega-6 fatty...

Cure Advocacy is the only patient advocacy organization globally working towards the cure, treatment and prevention of Herpes. They exist to empower both patients and healthcare providers to learn to advocate for themselves and to know that change is possible! Visit www.herpescureadvocacy.com to receive your copy of the Herpes Cure Pipeline 3.0 - a comprehensive resource of all clinical trials for new therapies for HSV.   0:00 Introduction 02:00 Can herpes be serious 04:40 Are you...

Join host Alexandra Habrushka and special guest Jason Lebeck as they delve into the unique challenges faced by a 21-year-old Christian navigating faith and cultural/religious discrimination while living with HSV-2. Through candid conversations and personal insights, they explore themes of resilience, faith, and overcoming stigma in a world where faith and health intersect. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and find inspiration in their journey of grace and growth.   You can follow Jason...

In this enlightening episode, delve into the intricate connection between the nervous system and the emotional impact of a herpes diagnosis. Discover how shame and societal stigma can influence our neural pathways, affecting not only our mental well-being but also our physical health. Join us as we explore strategies to heal and empower ourselves in the face of herpes stigma, nurturing a healthier relationship with our nervous system and our self-worth.   💚Learn more about Brainbased...

A powerful interview Alexandra did with Lindsey Ellyn, the author of The Shame Game: A Counter-Cultural Approach to Overcoming Shame and Improving Mental, Relational, and Sexual Health, where they talk about the shame that a herpes diagnosis can bring. In the tapestry of life, certain threads can lead us to unexpected places, challenging our perceptions and reshaping our understanding of self-worth, relationships, and societal norms. Lindsey Ellyn's candid revelation about her herpes...

"Join Coach Sarah Joy on a transformative journey through thyroid and gut health. A former warrior battling Epstein Barr, Herpes, Hashimoto's, and Hypothyroidism, she conquered chronic symptoms and reclaimed her health. After enduring misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments, Sarah reclaimed her power, delving into extensive research and self-healing methods. Now a certified Transformational Nutrition and Thyroid Coach, her passion lies in empowering women combating various health challenges,...

In a recent interview, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. John Martin, an experienced OBGYN, who shared valuable insights about herpes, its impact on pregnancy, and how individuals can navigate this diagnosis. Join us as we delve into the conversation and gain a better understanding of herpes from a medical professional's perspective.

Finding out you have herpes can be a difficult and isolating experience. When Alexandra, the founder of The Secret Society was first diagnosed, she felt alone and without support. That's why she created The Secret Society, an online support group for people living with herpes.

Coach Sarah Joy helps women with thyroid conditions find their root causes. She got herpes, was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and Epstein–Barr. After years of dealing with symptoms, exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, muscle weakness, panic attacks, brittle hair and nails, hair loss, food intolerances, bloating and pain after I ate, heart pain, palpitations, brain fog, memory loss, constipation, intolerances to the weather, seasonal or environmental allergies, and more, she managed to get...

When we are in a relationship there is acceptance on both sides. We think that herpes is the only thing that has to be accepted. But we are also going to be accepting my flaws and a herpes diagnosis.

These wellness products are made to fight herpes outbreaks. We created them especially for people living with herpes, who want to deal with their outbreaks in a more natural ways. They can also be used to support your body when you're on antivirals. Overall, they took about a year to get formulated and I'm so exited to share them with you!

If you were just diagnosed with herpes, you're probably freaking out and don't know where to go or turn to. I hope this video sheds some light on the topic you're interested in, how to go on, and where to search for information.

There's a preconceived notion in many of us that being promiscuous will definitely get you herpes. If you will not sleep around, or not sleep with 'those people', or always do things the right way, there's no way you're going to get herpes. I also thought I'm that person.

Sometimes people think it's easier to get diagnosed later in life, and other times, people think it's easier when we're younger and we can deal with it easier. The truth is, there's never a good time to get diagnosed and it can always be hard to deal with outbreaks and disclose to our partners, when dating seems so far away.

According to Oxford's dictionary the definition of asymptomatic is, "(of a condition or a person) producing or showing no symptoms." So what this means for someone living with herpes is, they have herpes but don't have any symptoms. They don't get outbreaks, they don't have tingles, they don't get itchy, they don't have any sensation or clue that they have herpes.

There are 4 common areas where the HSV1 or HSV2 virus can go; oral, genital, on your hands and in your eyes.

In your 20's your 4th of July should be spent having fun with friends at the beach. Having just gotten diagnosed with herpes you won't believe how I spent my 4th of July. Spoiler alert there was lots of crying over my herpes diagnosis.

This day 11 years ago was the worst day of my life, it was the day I got diagnosed with genital herpes. This was something I never saw coming. On today's vlog Alexandra shares her never told before story of what it was like in 2011 getting diagnosed with genital herpes.

When I was first diagnosed with herpes I'd wondered what life with herpes would look like for 11 years. At the time, I didn't think that a happy life was even possible. I mean, I had herpes. In today's video I walk you through what it's like living with herpes 11 years later.

If you've just been diagnosed with herpes you have herpes questions. So Alexandra's answered the top FAQ's in today's vlog. She talks about that waiting period of wondering if your herpes results are going to come back positive or negative. There are so many ups and downs that lead you down a rabbit hole of questions.

Now it's Tuesday and I know something is wrong. This is the same day as it was eleven years ago. By now the blisters had fully shown up and I was in unbelievable pain. I felt so sick and could not imagine what was going on. Today was supposed to be just a regular physical but instead it turned into the day to go to the doctors and get a resolution.

Being diagnosed with herpes in 2003 is very different than being diagnosed with herpes in 2022 . The major difference is the ability to find resources and educate yourself because back in the early 2000's it was even more taboo than now. Alexandra shares her point of view from 2003 till today in 2022. There are three things that really stand out.