Aussie HMate Peer Support
One on one peer support is available on request via email, chat or phone.
Please see the Aussie HMate page for more information and profiles of our current team.
Please use the contact form to request peer support.
Herpes Support Line
Note: the herpes support line is now closed due to lack of funding.
Hi, I would really appreciate your help. My doctor told me yesterday that i “have been exposed to HSV2″ which means of course that i have Herpes. I know this feeling is probably normal for day 1 but i’m devestated. My hubby and i have been swinging for a year, we both insisted upon condoms and of course looked for active outbreaks and still i managed to contract it. I just cant’ stop crying, i feel so ashamed and so stupid for taking such a risk with my health and i’m terrifyied of passing it on to him and have now stopped swinging altogether because of course i can’t risk anyone elses health either and will be completely untouchable within the swinging community. Please can you help. The doc asked me if i had any questions but i was to shell shocked to ask any.Right now i just don’t know how to emotionally cope with this diagnosis, i just don’t know how to get beyond the crying xx Niki
Hi Niki
Firstly, let me reassure you that your reaction is normal. Everyone goes through that initial stage of shock… it gets better with time. The most important thing is to get some support – find someone you can talk to about how you feel about this. You can seek professional help (a counselor) or peer support on one of the support forums or at a local support group meeting.
Note, that it is possible to still contract herpes despite using condoms and being observant. Asymptomatic shedding can occur at any time so it is quite common for people to contract herpes without being aware the other person had it – even the person passing it on can be unaware that they have herpes.
If you take precautions (using condoms, taking antiviral medication, refraining from intimate contact during recurrences) you can significantly reduce the risk of passing the virus on to your partner.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to comment again or contact me.
I’m at 20 year old female. I contracted HSV2 three months ago. It was an insanely difficult transition period in my life & I thought I dealt with it & moved on – I now realise I haven’t dealt at all. I’m struggling & feel incredibly alone & afraid. I tried calling some peer support groups but freaked out & am just isolating myself which is causing more problems & of course outbreaks. I would love to email somebody in a similar situation, just the act of seeking correspondence will hopefully help. I appreciate the info on this site, for this fairly brutal & stigmatised disease to be addressed in a nonthreatening manner is so much more reassurring than the glossy brochures & pamphlets my doctor shooed mee away with.
If anyone feels up for a chat my email is. Ailis2@hotmail.com
Thankyou
Hi Ailis
Your reaction is normal. We all go through that stage. In my experience it is really helpful if you can talk to someone about your feelings – a professional or someone who has herpes and understands what you are going through.
Persevere with your efforts to contact a support group – some people have said this can be a life-changing experience.
Great to hear too that you have been reassured by the info on this site. That’s what it’s here for and I am glad that it has been helpful for you.
Feel free to email us direct info @ livingsphere.com or post another comment if you have any questions or require one on one support.