Single With Herpes: I’m 29 nearly 30 years old and a single mum of a 9 year old. I’m not sure how I’ve contracted herpes. I’ve been in a relationship for nearly 2 years with the same person. We had unprotected sex 2 or 3 times in 18 months. I had a 3 month relationship previously where it was unprotected, he’d had a vasectomy and had told me he was “clean.” I trusted my ex believing he didn’t have an std as I did with my current boyfriend. I’d been tested for STD’s several times and had never tested positive for anything. I barely knew anything about herpes until I was diagnosed about 4 months ago.I already suffered with depression, body dysmorphia disorder and social anxiety and finding out I have herpes has made me feel worse. Initially I felt shocked and undesirable. I still feel undesirable. I’m also struggling not to blame my boy friend but I think that’s due to us already having issues as he’s never let me know where he lives.I’ve had prodome symptoms since being diagnosed and probably 4 mild outbreaks. I think stress is partly triggering the outbreaks.As I already feel ugly and struggle with agoraphobia, the diagnosis has been very difficult for me because I don’t have friends. I’m an orphan and I’m not very close to my 2 siblings.I feel quite depressed. I’m not sure what I’d tell someone whose recently been diagnosed. Maybe some understanding. It’s hard to offer advice when you’re not coping yourself.