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 [email protected] 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

I’m Erin Devost, your host for the next half hour. I’m a happy person, but herpes isn’t a happy subject. I’ve got it; you’re not … alone. Stick around if you like this so far… we are ‘bout to get real.   

Soooooo…. when herpes … stops being … a burden, it can be opportunity:  to change your own beliefs…I mean, to hold real connections for a deeper sense of self —Herpes does not define you. 

Deep right?   

Herp A Derp, is a biweekly podcast about breaking the stigma on herpes. It’s empowering for anyone affected by herpes to rebuild confidence, make healthy lifestyle choices and to revitalize their relationships and outlook on life.    

In this podcast, I’ll tell you my personal experiences and how I find dating now.  This podcast means more than talking about herpes; it is about being real about the virus and being real with you.   I want you to feel comfortable sharing your stories, asking questions or maybe you know the answer that everyone might be thinking.   Maybe you are the supportive partner or friend seeking an outlet to better understand what someone with herpes might be going through.   

I want to be that someone for you.   

My guests on the show will talk about their challenges and triumphs over herpes, talk with experts with answers to the taboo questions, be positive.   

Honestly, I want to see you be brave!  

I’m single and have had herpes for a few years now. I know what is like to go through the herpy derpy emotional rollercoaster. The doctor’s visit and phone call that changed everything. The thought of someone will never touch me or ever love me.   

I don’t want anyone to ever go through those negative thoughts. I want you to feel you have support by listening to Herp A Derp and know you are not alone.   Above all, you deserve love. Herpes does not define who you are.   Herp A Derp is tribe to value you and lighten the herpes stereotypes. Let’s talk about learning to love ourselves and not let our past experiences or relationships label what we have.   

As a single woman, who is dating and having to have the herpes conversation over and over again, trust me I know it is not easy.   I want to listen and but also share when you are ready.   

Its never easy telling someone you care about or to accept you have herpes.   Let this podcast be able to help you continue the conversation about herpes before we become silent and never talk about it again. 

Let’s talk about it.   

I really don’t want this to be a stopping by, I want this to be a starting point and to listen to this journey.   To be really excited.   I’m really excited to share my stories and I really hope you are able to share your stories too.     

A Herp A Derp moment is an expression when someone has come across hiccups in life we may not understand but learn to rise above. Herpes is the Herp A Derp moment in my life. Each day I am learning to love myself more by treating my body as a temple … of the mind, body and soul.   

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