Herpes, Mental Health, Suicide, Stigma
Welcome back to Asking for Myself, where I ask all the questions you're too afraid to. Today we’re talking all things herpes and mental health. In this episode, I am joined by Courtney Brame, the the Founder and Podcast Host of Something Positive for Positive People. This conversation is as much about herpes as it is about mental health and compassion. That being said, we do discuss suicide. If that is something you are sensitive to our triggered by, please proceed with caution.
- Why does your work focus so much on mental health?
- How have you navigated advocacy alongside self-compassion and care? How do you talk about suicide while balancing your own mental health?
- Why does the herpes stigma exist? Why is it considered so much “worse” than other STIs?
- Why do doctors not always recommend testing for herpes?
- What is the protocol and expectation for sharing a positive status? What is the responsibility on each of us to get tested?
- What could a more empowering experience look like for receiving a positive herpes diagnosis?
- Is it healthy or worth it to find “closure” on who you contracted herpes from?
- How can we support someone who has received a positive herpes diagnosis?
- How has COVID impacted STI testing, if at all?
Suicide resources:
- Text ‘HELLO’ to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the National Suicide Lifeline.
- For LGBTQIA+ youth under 25, get 24/7 crisis intervention & suicide prevention lifeline support with The Trevor Project. Text ‘START’ to 678678 or dial (866) 488-7386.
Self-care & mental health resources:
youfeellikeshit.com
getmoodfit.com
wysa.io
Herpes-specific resources:
Something Positive for Positive People
Laureen HD YouTube Channel
SexELducation Instagram
