How Mountain HELP can help you

Diagnosis: Herpes. What Now?
What to expect
What's to talk about?
I have had herpes for a while. Why should I attend?

Sharing experiences and successes with other can take some of the weight off your shoulders. And your perspective also can help others.

Diagnosis: Herpes. What Now?- Regardless of the sympathy we may or may not receive from our physicians, family, lovers, and friends, the ultimate burden of herpes falls on the people who carry it. It can be difficult to bear, especially immediately following diagnosis, when feelings of isolation, depression, and panic are at their height.

In 1980, the American Social Health Association addressed those very issues by sponsoring the formation of herpes self-help groups across the country. Approximately 100 HELP groups in as many cities are available to people affected by the herpes simplex virus. HELP groups provide a safe, confidential environment in which to obtain accurate information and share experiences with other who have this viral infection.

All too often, people with herpes feel thy they must "go it alone." Though the HELP Group meetings, however, many individuals find that discussing herpes with others can make things easier emotionally, mentally, and sometimes physically.

What to expect- HELP Group meeting vary in many respects from city to city. With the emphasis on self-help, the demeanor of the group will often depend on the people involve. The meeting may start with; the introduction of a topic for discussion, or with a question like, "How's everybody doing?" there are three basic concepts, however, that will be consistent from on group to the next.
Confidentiality -confidentiality is a priority at any ASHA affiliated HELP group. Most groups operate on a first name only basis. Although may groups have mailing list or newsletters or to announce special events, those list are never used for purposes outside the activities of the HELP Group. Signing up on a mailing list, giving out your last name, or actively participating in a discussion isn't mandatory. How much you choose to disclose or participate is completely up to you.
Accurate Information-ASHA's Herpes Resource Center sponsors scientific research, has access to the latest medical information, and makes that information available to the HELP groups. The number of unsubstantiated claims regarding cures and treatments increases every year. Newspapers and other media often report erroneous facts. Even physicians may not have access to the latest findings. The HELP groups offer an excellent source for accurate, up to date inform ain.
Medical Advisor-Each HELP Group has a medical professional available for addressing specific, questions and verifying information, In some groups, the medical advisor attends every meeting; in other, the advisor addresses the group and its questions every few months, The medical advisor might be an internist, a gynecologist, an dermatologist, a psychologist, a nurse, or general practitioner. Many medical advisors can refer HELP Group participants to a local health car provider knowledgeable about herpes.

What's to talk about and why?-even for the most well adjusted, self-confident person, a herpes diagnosis can result in a crisis. feelings range from denial or depression to isolation and intense anger. Some people experience feeling of extreme anger or resentment toward the person who infected them. Others feel a sense of loss-the loss of real or imagined future romances or sexual freedom. At HELP Group meetings, participants explore those feelings and discuss way of coming to grips with them. No topic is unapproachable. Sharing experiences and success with others can take some of the weight off your shoulders. And your perspective also can help others.

What if you've had herpes for a while and feel pretty well adjusted? Why should you attend a meeting?-Attending a HELP Group can incrrease awareness of issues that may be affecting your lifestyle or relationships. Sometimes others can offer a different perspective on living with herpes. And because herpes isn't a frequent topic of conversation outside the HELP Groups, people who have lived with the virus for a while often surprise themselves by talking about it and sharing their experiences, Articulating feelings can produce greater clarity, stronger opinions, and ideas different from those one might expect.

copyright 1998 American Social Health Association