Self Discovery
As we all know, living with psoriasis can bring about a lot of challenges, but it can also lead to moments of self-discovery. I’m curious—what’s one thing you’ve discovered about yourself through your journey with psoriasis that you might not have realized otherwise?
This is such an excellent question. I realized that I had a voice and that I could be heard. I grew up in a culture where you were seen and not heard. My parents who were very old school didn't think I should ever question an elder or anyone in authority. I would just sit quietly and let doctors treat me any kind of way.
When I was over 80% covered in scales for years and not being treated properly. I knew this was not right and I had to say something. It was a bold move on my part, but it opened up so many doors when I just asked - why? It's over 40 years later and I am opening up doors., what has been your self-discovery? I totally understand and get your response! I can attest to growing up and not being able to question or ask a question to an elder. I don't know what it was, maybe some sense of power or authority, but it was a real thing and something I knew not to do. And now that I'm older and also a mother, I too see the big problem with this and had to make sure I didn't do this to my own children. As for my own self-discovery, I have learned and continue to learn that I have to be myself at all times and not try to be anyone else. It's so easy at times to want someone else's life, especially when you view things in your own life so poorly. But once I accepted my own truth, I then began to live in it and become a better verison of myself. And that alone has brought me closer to my purpose. -Latoya (Team Member)
I discovered that I could have a voice in my own treatment. I can tell the doctor either I am on board with a treatment or I am not. In my case the doctors always want to push methotrexate as an add on treatment. It is something that I will never take again because of the horrible side effects. I have no problem in telling them that. Vickie, Team Member Doctors can definitely be a little pushy and use their title to try to persuade you. But I believe we know our bodies best and it's extremely important to use your voice when working with your healthcare team. Good for you for not being afraid to speak up and stick to your beliefs about what's best for you! -Latoya (Team Member)
, I love this topic! I've been trying to think of my answer since you first posted it 😅 I think because I don't remember a time without psoriasis, it's hard for me to know if I've discovered anything about myself because of it. It's almost like an integral part of me and I can't really separate myself from it... One thing I notice about myself compared to some other people, though, is that I don't really care what others think about how I look (although I have my moments, of course), and I'm not bothered about what other people look like either. That could stem from having psoriasis? Especially as mine was so visible and severe when I was a child. I'm fortunate that my parents never made a big deal out of it or made me cover up/feel like it was something to cover up, so it never felt like it mattered in that sense. So I guess I've discovered that it's what's on the inside that counts, and not what's on the outside. I'll have to have a think if there's anything else! -Catherine, Community Moderator It’s really fascinating how you’ve linked psoriasis to your self-perception and how you view others. Since it's been with you for so long, it’s understandable that it feels like an inseparable part of your identity. The fact that you’re comfortable with how you look, despite the occasional moments of doubt, is inspiring because I still struggle with this. Even more so because I'm getting older. But it’s great that your parents never made you feel like you had to hide it, which probably helped you see it as something that doesn’t define your worth now. The great thing about self-discovery is that it's a journey and not a destination. So continue to embark and explore your self in this journey. I look forward to what you find out next! -Latoya (Team Member) , you are beautiful inside and out!! I loved reading your insights on this. Hearing what others think helps me step outside of the me/psoriasis situation and view it more objectively. I actually realised as I was reading your response that whilst I don't really care about what others think of how I look, my psoriatic nails make me feel self-conscious and I do hide them. I've always had nail symptoms but when my psoriatic arthritis started to develop my nail symptoms changed - my fingernails started to detach from the nail beds and my toenails look dreadful. Maybe I just got used to having psoriasis rather than it teaching me anything ! 😅 -Catherine, Community Moderator
