Diagnosed With STI: How To Handle Yourself Emotionally?

You've tested positive for some sexually transmitted infections…

It’s not easy taking that news. Just when everything was looking good in life, you’re hit with this bad news.

In fact, many people end up in depression after being diagnosed with STI, knowing less that it’s possible to live a good life even now.

If you’re in the same spot, having returned from an STD testing center with not-so-good news, here are three tips to better handle yourself emotionally:

1. Talk to your family members and close friends 

Don’t be a lone-bearer of the news.

At times like these when you’re likely to feel alone and sad, you need a group of people around you who could be your support… people who love you and care about you. 

So, discuss the situation with your close family members and friends. Share with them your fear. Listen to them. 

With positive people by your side who understands you, you will feel so much lighter and better.

2. Visit a good doctor and outline a treatment plan

Don’t visit the first clinic or doctor that you come across. Take your time to do enough research.

Find someone who has extensive experience in treating patients with STIs. Find a clinic that has the right facility for effective treatment.

Managing the likes of HIV is easy – provided you have a good doctor with you and you’re serious about the treatment. 

And knowing that you have a good doctor and proper STI management plan, you will feel much better.

3. Seek professional help for mental health

Feeling sad for a few days is only common. However, if your “bad mood” has extended for too many days and you’re still feeling unbearably bad, it’s best to visit a therapist or clinical psychologist and seek their help.

As mentioned previously, getting into depression is common after such events. You must look for symptoms and get adequate treatment. 

Dealing with STIs is just as much about dealing with it psychologically as it is about physically.

Conclusion 

These are three tips to better handle yourself emotionally after being diagnosed with STI.

It’s going to be challenging but you must remind yourself that life doesn’t stop here. With some resilience on your end, you can still live a long and fulfilling life.