How I Got Through A Bad Patch With My Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a difficult condition to deal with. The red, scaly, itchy patches can make you feel down and depressed. You may isolate yourself from friends and family members, be unable to undertake job duties, and feel like life isn’t going to improve.

I have been there. I have had this condition for several years now, and there have been times where I have believed it won’t get better, I’ll continue suffering, and won’t make an improvement.

However, I am here to tell you that life does indeed get better. In fact, with help and a change of mindset, you can tackle your psoriasis, live with it, and thrive in all that you do.

I am not proclaiming to be an expert. I merely share my lived experience, but there are some steps I took to embracing my psoriasis and finally living a happy, fulfilling life with it as something that’s part of me but that doesn’t define me.

Be open about the condition

You need to get to a point in your life where you embrace it and are open about it. Don’t want to wear a black T-shirt in case the flakes show on the back of it? Wear it, and let it happen. Don’t want to wear T-shirts at all because it will show the psoriasis on your arm? Put on that favorite T-shirt you have sitting in your wardrobe.

Consider setting up a social media account and doing a bit of activism, raising awareness of what you have been through, and connecting with others who are in the same situation. Write blogs, posts, articles, and pitch to news websites your unique story and journey with this condition.

Don’t forget your loved ones and best friends, too. Let them know about your condition, what you're going through physically and emotionally, how it’s affecting your life, your treatment plan, and anything else relevant.

I did all of this bit by bit, and it’s massively helped me manage this condition, particularly the emotional side of the condition.

Seek support from a professional

Don’t be afraid to get help from a mental health professional, counselor, psychologist, or support team. Also, look at psoriasis support groups both online and in your local area, if they exist. Contact membership bodies of psoriasis in your local country and interact as much as possible with other people involved in that organization.

This support will help you understand your condition from an emotional point of view. You’ll be able to develop healthy coping mechanisms, understanding what’s going on, how it’s affecting you, and how you can proceed forward positively.

Understand it can take time

Psoriasis is a chronic, life-long condition. It will come and go in waves. It will get better, then suddenly get worse. But time can be a huge healer. Time for me has been the best thing. Growing up, maturing, and finding new activities, hobbies, and purposes in life, has been huge when understanding this condition and the impact it has had on me.

Go to your regular routine medical appointments

Don’t neglect your medical appointments. If a time or day doesn't work for you, speak up and get a new appointment that’s more suitable. Go with a list of questions. Do research before each appointment and have a list of discussion topics.

Don’t neglect your treatment regimen, either. This is really important. As you go through your psoriasis medicines, you’ll find some work, some don’t, some sort of work, and others are just a total failure. But that’s part of the process. Keep on top of it and let your medical team know of any concerns or worries you have. You will find something that fits with the healing of your psoriasis.

Those are just some of the ways I’ve learned to adapt to life with this chronic condition. As I say, it’s a life-long illness, but over time you will get stronger. Believe in yourself. You can do it.