After a herpes diagnosis, many people try to handle everything on their own. They keep it private, do the inner work, and push forward. But even when you’re doing all the right things, something can still feel missing.

In this episode of the Herpes Wellness Podcast, Cat Dupree talks about why trying to heal in isolation often makes the process harder, not easier. She shares her own experience of keeping her diagnosis a secret for years, why that felt safer at first, and how the lack of connection quietly affected her emotional wellbeing.

This episode explores why healing after a herpes diagnosis is not just about mindset or forgiveness, but also about community, belonging, and having people who understand what you’re going through. Cat discusses how stigma can keep people isolated, why many struggle to open up even to those closest to them, and how finding the right kind of support can change the healing process.

You’ll also hear Cat reflect on the concept of belonging, inspired by Brené Brown’s work in Braving the Wilderness, and how learning the difference between fitting in and truly belonging reshaped the way she viewed connection after herpes.

You’ll learn:

-Why healing in isolation after a herpes diagnosis can feel exhausting

-How keeping your diagnosis to yourself impacts emotional healing

-Why community and belonging matter when living with herpes

-The difference between fitting in and truly belonging

-Why support looks different for everyone, no matter where you are in your journey

👉🏻 ONLINE COMMUNITY

Connect with others and get support from people who get it https://www.herpeswellness.com/

👉🏻 DOWNLOAD THE COMMUNITY APP

App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/herpes-wellness/id6746517614

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.herpeswellness.community&pcampaignid=web_share&pli=1

📖 BRAVING THE WILDERNESS BY BRENÉ BROWN

Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3OglzhH

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4kGoGLW

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