Reduce STI stigma; talk about it and get some help

You are not alone!

You’ve received an STI diagnosis. What do you do? How will your partner react? What will your friends and family think about you? Is this the end of intimate relationships for you?

You are consumed with worry, fear, guilt and shame.

You are not alone!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports approximately 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year in the United States.

Often, individuals are so focused on getting healthy physically that they neglect the emotional impact on their health, which can be equally devastating.

How will this diagnosis impact interpersonal relationships and your own self-perception? You feel vulnerable, you are concerned about intimate connections and rejection, and your self-esteem and sense of self-worth have reached an all-time low.

We can talk comfortably about uncomfortable topics such as politics, mental health and sex – subjects that years earlier were considered taboo. But the subject of STI remains one of those conversations we try to dodge. The stigma remains.

It does not have to be this way. If you’ve been diagnosed with an STI, you can overcome and manage the challenges facing you and continue to live a happy and productive life guilt-free and shame-free by exploring coping mechanisms, receiving support, educating yourself, seeking mental health help and talking about it.

Where do you begin?

You’ve received the diagnosis, and you are seeking medical attention to heal physically. Next, you need to tell your partner. Transparent communication is critical, but essential. You want to keep the trust you have built while recognizing the results initially may not be favorable.

Building a strong support system is important during this highly emotional time. Connect with loved ones who will listen and offer non-judgmental encouragement. Find online and in-person support groups where you can share experiences in a safe place and offer insights to help lessen feelings of isolation, loneliness and fear of societal stigma.

Educating yourself is another component to successfully tackle an STI diagnosis. Knowledge is empowering. Learning as much as you can about STIs can reduce worry and anxiety, and help you take control of your health.  Share what you learn. This is one of the best ways to dispel myths, combat the STI stigma and promote safe sex practices to prevent the spread of STIs.

Practicing self-care also can contribute to maintaining your mental and physical health. Exercise will help reduce anxiety and depression, healthy eating will improve your overall well-being, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can provide a sense of control, improve emotional resilience and alleviate stress.

I also strongly recommend seeking professional mental health help from therapists and counselors who specialize in sexual health. This is where judgment-free conversations can take place, and you can talk freely about your concerns. Therapists can provide valuable support and guidance, helping you navigate emotional challenges, deal with societal stigma, manage difficult conversations with people important in your life, rebuild the self-esteem you may have lost, and even restore damaged relationships.

Receiving a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection can be life-alternating but it should not feel life-ending emotionally. Asking for help often is the hardest and most difficult step to take, but with professional help from a trained therapist, support from family and friends, and education, you can continue to lead a healthy, happy and productive life.