Podcast Title: Something Positive for Positive People
Episode: SPFPP 381: Herpes and Bipolar - Stigma on Stigma
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Courtney Brame
Guest: Joy

Introduction

In episode 381 of Something Positive for Positive People, Courtney Brame welcomes Joy, a resilient individual navigating the complexities of living with both herpes and bipolar disorder. This episode delves deep into the intertwined stigmas of mental health and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), offering listeners a candid and heartfelt conversation about identity, healing, and the pursuit of wholeness.

Joy’s Journey: From Diagnosis to Self-Acceptance

Joy begins by sharing her tumultuous journey with mental health. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2014, she recounts multiple manic episodes that have significantly impacted her life.

Joy [04:43]: "In 2014, I had a manic episode where I thought that I was chosen and pregnant with Jesus. And the rapture happened, and I was committed to a hospital..."

Courtney connects on a personal level, mentioning her own grandmother's struggles with bipolar disorder, highlighting the generational aspects of mental health stigma.

Courtney [06:28]: "My grandmother, who passed away when I was 12, was also bipolar. I caught glimpses of her manic episodes..."

The Intersection of Mental Health and Sexual Health

Joy discusses her HSV-2 diagnosis and the emotional turmoil it brought, especially amidst her ongoing battles with bipolar disorder. She emphasizes the compounded stigma of dealing with multiple health challenges.

Joy [12:00]: "I thought it was the herpes until I went to the doctor yesterday and found out I had cancer stage one. But now finding out I'm at risk for these other cancers..."

Courtney explores how these diagnoses affected Joy's relationships and self-perception, addressing the fear of disclosure and the physical and emotional pain associated with herpes outbreaks.

Courtney [61:37]: "And you get these diagnoses. Do you find that it was that the conversations were different between like talking about the herpes and the HPV at all?"

Navigating Relationships Amidst Stigma

The conversation shifts to Joy's personal relationships, revealing how her bipolar disorder and STIs influenced her marriages and interactions. Joy candidly shares the challenges of infidelity linked to manic episodes and the subsequent impact on her marriages.

Joy [16:18]: "The second one, we are not on good terms. It's a lot. I cheated. I have to accept that it comes..."

Courtney emphasizes the bravery in Joy's repeated attempts at marriage despite past hardships, recognizing Joy's strength in seeking meaningful connections.

Courtney [13:26]: "But that speaks to bravery, too, because we can get our hearts broken, we can get screwed over. And to be willing to put yourself in that same position for the outcome that you're hoping for, like, that really takes a brave person."

Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Joy provides an in-depth look at living with Bipolar I disorder, highlighting both manic and depressive episodes. She describes the relentless energy during mania and the crippling despair during depression.

Joy [19:35]: "I struggle with bipolar 1, which is mainly mania. I'm always an energetic person. But when the low hits of depression, it's pretty bad. You can't move out of bed. It's the worst."

Courtney validates Joy's experiences by relating them to her own understanding and the broader mental health discourse, incorporating definitions and symptoms to provide clarity.

Courtney [20:16]: "I did Google some of the symptoms of bipolar, and you just tell me how accurate this is. Feeling excited, very irritable or aggressive, having a lot of energy..."

Impact on Parenting and Family Dynamics

Joy discusses the profound effects of her mental health and STI diagnoses on her role as a mother. She reflects on the challenges of maintaining healthy boundaries and protecting her daughters from her past traumas and ongoing struggles.

Joy [35:50]: "I have two daughters, 17 and 10. They’ve been through a lot because of my episodes. My oldest has been very wise because of it."

Courtney explores the delicate balance Joy maintains in parenting, especially concerning open communication about sex and health.

Courtney [62:35]: "Can I ask you about the other thing that you wrote in here about like being open with your daughter about sex?"

Healing and Seeking Support

Throughout the episode, Joy emphasizes the importance of honesty, support systems, and therapy in her healing journey. She advocates for reading, self-education, and seeking professional help as vital steps toward managing her conditions.

Joy [64:18]: "I think it's just important to, you know, be honest and to try to find that support that you can trust and to have, if you are experiencing..."

Courtney echoes these sentiments, highlighting the role of community and intentional action in combating the "drift" that can lead to stagnation, as discussed in her reflections on Napoleon Hill's work.

Courtney [57:02]: "Is it that, like, a course correction. Is it that we're doing something that maybe there's a redirection or something we ain't got no business doing?"

Conclusion: Overcoming Stigmas and Embracing Wholeness

As the conversation wraps up, both Courtney and Joy reflect on the journey toward self-acceptance and the breaking down of generational stigmas. Joy shares insights into how her diagnoses have opened doors for her family to understand and support mental health better.

Joy [53:42]: "Now with this diagnosis, I just think, like, the same within the... I broke those messed up ways of thinking. Because now my family is starting to learn about mental illness."

Courtney expresses gratitude for the deep and honest dialogue, recognizing its potential to heal and educate listeners facing similar struggles.

Courtney [45:08]: "I'm glad that we were able to have this, like, mental health conversation now. Closing out or transitioning. Is there anything else that you want to touch on as it relates to bipolar mental health trauma?"

Key Takeaways

• Intersectionality of Stigma: Living with both an STI and a mental health disorder intensifies societal stigmas, affecting personal relationships and self-identity.

• Importance of Support Systems: Building a reliable support network is crucial for managing mental health challenges and navigating stigmas associated with health conditions.

• Honest Communication: Open discussions about one's health statuses, both mental and sexual, can foster trust and understanding within families and communities.

• Therapy and Self-Education: Engaging in therapy and self-educational practices, such as reading and seeking professional help, are essential steps toward healing and self-acceptance.

• Breaking Generational Stigmas: Personal journeys of acceptance can influence and educate family members, helping to dismantle long-standing stigmas around mental health and STIs.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Something Positive for Positive People offers a profound exploration of the compounded stigmas faced by individuals living with both mental health disorders and STIs. Through Joy's brave and transparent sharing, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating these intertwined health issues. Courtney Brame facilitates a compassionate and enlightening conversation, reinforcing the podcast's mission to validate identities and provide tools for reconnection and healing.

For those seeking support or understanding regarding herpes stigma, mental health challenges, or the intersection of the two, this episode serves as a guiding light towards wholeness and presence.