Herpes, Mental Health, Suicide, and Stigma
This conversation is as much about mental health and compassion as it is about herpes. I sit down with Courtney Brame, founder of Something Positive for Positive People, for an honest, moving exploration of what it actually feels like to receive a positive herpes diagnosis — the shame, the grief, the identity questions, and why this stigma specifically drives some people to suicidal ideation. A conversation that needs to be more common (especially considering how common herpes is).
⚠️ Content note: This episode discusses suicide. If you or a loved one is in crisis, support is available: Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741. National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386.
Today's Questions
- Why does your work focus so much on mental health?
- How have you navigated advocacy alongside self-compassion and care?
- 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 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?
Our Guest
Courtney Brame
Resources Mentioned
- Something Positive for Positive People
- Laureen HD YouTube Channel
- SexELducation Instagram (@sexelducation)
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