How to Cope with an STD Diagnosis

The rate of sexually transmitted disease is rising in the US. Last year, a record number of people were infected with STDs. Today, around 50 million Americans - or 15 percent of the total population -suffer from STDs.

Getting the news that you are infected with STDs can be emotionally devastating. Most people are filled with dread, anxiety, and suffer from sleepless nights when waiting for STD testing. When the results turn out to be positive, you may feel as if the world has been turned upside down. However, you should not beat yourself up for past mistakes. Here are five tips that can help you learn how to cope with an STD diagnosis.

1. STD Does Not Define You

When first learning how to cope with an STD, keep in mind that an STD doesn't define who you are. Everyone makes mistakes in life. Contracting an STD such as HIV, herpes, or HPV does not mean that you are a slut. You should shut down the voice of your personal editor that makes negative remarks about you.

The fact that you have contracted an STD does not mean that you are a bad person. It only means that you have made some bad personal choices that resulted in the disease. A lot of people who have been diagnosed with STDs are respectable people instead of criminals or prostitutes. The STD diagnosis does not mean that you belong to the latter category. 

Maintain a positive outlook on life and discuss treatment options with your doctor. Many STDs are curable, while others are simple to live with as long as you ensure regular doses of medication. Allow yourself some breathing room to adjust to your diagnosis before beating yourself up.

2. Consider Talking to an Expert

One of the most important things when considering how to cope with an STD is talking to a doctor. You should not freak out when finding out about the positive STD test results. Instead, you should consider talking to a specialist about your diagnosis and the test results. There are a lot of myths regarding STDs and even the internet doesn’t have all the answers. Instead of giving in to your emotions after reading about the disease you’ve contracted, you should talk to a medical expert about a treatment plan.

3. Talk to Your Partner

Informing your partner about the STD may be tough, but it is something that is necessary for the safety of both of you. It can also help you figure out how to cope with an STD, as your partner can provide support and comfort. If you can't bear to watch the reaction of your partner, you can tell someone else to break the news to your partner.

If your partner is not a friend or significant other, you can use services, such as inSpot, to tell your exes, girlfriends, boyfriends, and partners anonymously that they may have been exposed to an STD.

4. Remain Positive

Remaining positive is important if you want to go through the ordeal without any emotional scar. You should look yourself in the mirror and remind yourself that you are strong, and that you will make it through the difficult times. The reality about STDs is unpleasant, and facing up to it is the first step to learning how to cope with an STD.

5. Avoid Feeling Depressed

Knowing that you have an STD can make you feel ashamed, miserable, and unloved. You may feel that you are no longer sexually desirable. These negative feelings can pop up out of the blue and make you feel depressed.

You need to conquer your negative feelings. Consider stepping back from the negative feelings and take deep breaths. Positive affirmations can make you feel good and avoid feeling down in the dumps. Other than that, you should consider getting immediate treatment for the STD to ensure minimum damage to your body.

If you’re considering getting tested for an STD, STD Labs can help you find a location near you.