If you're living with psoriasis, you know that it's more than just a skin condition. It can take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being, too. In fact, studies have shown that people with psoriasis are more likely to experience stress and anxiety than those without it. Why is that?
For starters, psoriasis is flat-out uncomfortable; spending days at your desk scratching your head just to see piles of flakes come out, or picking at a scab on your leg only to have it bleed. And the more you scratch, the worse it gets. It's a vicious cycle that can leave you frustrated. Plus, let's not forget about the stares and comments you might get from strangers. I remember running into CVS and having to ask a woman in the makeup isle what kind of cover-up I needed to buy (apparently something called BB cream?) just to hide from the red patches on my face. It's not always easy to feel confident and secure when you're dealing with a condition that's so visible.
But here's the thing: it's not just the physical symptoms of psoriasis that can affect your mental health. The condition can also have a psychological impact. For example, you might feel self-conscious about your appearance, which can lead to feelings of low self-esteem. Or you might worry about how psoriasis will affect your relationships or career. All of these things can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.
So what can you do about it? For starters, it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are millions of people out there dealing with psoriasis and the emotional and mental struggles that come with it (myself included!! duh). And there are ways to manage stress and anxiety. It's important to find healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, journaling or talk to a therapist or counselor. And don't be afraid to reach out to a support group or online community of people who understand what you're going through.
Understanding the Connection
But it's not just that psoriasis is an emotional burden – there's actually a bi-directional relationship between stress and psoriasis. Stress can trigger psoriasis flare-ups, and psoriasis flare-ups can cause stress and anxiety in turn. Studies have shown that stress can trigger flare-ups in people with psoriasis through several mechanisms.
One theory is that stress can cause an increase in the production of cytokines (inflammatory compounds in the body), which contributes to flare-ups. Stress can also affect the immune system, causing a shift in the balance of immune cells that can lead to inflammation and psoriasis flare-ups.
To add to that, stress-induced hormonal changes, such as an increase in cortisol levels, can also lead to flare-ups by affecting the skin's ability to regenerate and repair itself.
As we discussed early, psoriasis can also have a significant impact on mental health, leading to feelings of depression, low self-esteem and social isolation. Dealing with a chronic condition can be difficult and stressful, and it's not uncommon for people with psoriasis to feel overwhelmed and hopeless.
So we get to an uncomfortable truth: stress and anxiety can trigger psoriasis flare-ups, and psoriasis flare-ups can trigger stress and anxiety. Pretty vicious cycle, huh?
Managing Stress and Anxiety
As we discussed, stress and anxiety can worsen psoriasis symptoms, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage these emotions.
Mindfulness and meditation techniques are great ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Practicing mindfulness can help you focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the future or regrets about the past. Meditation can also help you relax and calm your mind.
Therapy and counseling can also be beneficial in addressing psoriasis-related mental health concerns. A therapist can work with you to develop coping strategies, improve your self-esteem and overall well-being. Additionally, therapy can help you process any negative emotions related to your condition and improve your ability to cope with it.
Support groups and online communities (like here?) can also provide a sense of connection and understanding. They can be a great resource for those who are dealing with the same struggles as you. Don't hesitate to seek help if you are struggling with your mental health and psoriasis, it is important to take care of both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. Furthermore, seeking help can also be beneficial for those who have concerns about how psoriasis may affect their relationships, career, or social life.
Make sure to find healthy coping mechanisms that work for you. For example, exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve overall health. Taking a walk, going for a run, or practicing yoga can all be beneficial. Other self-care practices such as journaling, reading, or taking a relaxing bath (with a bottle of wine) can also help you unwind and reduce stress. Try to eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water and get enough sleep -- I don't know about you, but I need by 12 hours of beauty rest a night!
Wrap-Up
Remember, managing psoriasis is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. It's not always easy, but by taking care of both the physical and emotional aspects of psoriasis, you'll be better equipped to deal with the ups and downs. And remember, you're not alone! There's like 7 million people in the US with you (to say nothing of the rest of the world!).
Don't hesitate to reach out to a support group or online community, talk to a therapist or counselor, or seek help from a medical professional if you need to.
Take care of yourself :)
Comments