Finding Psoriasis Support in an Unlikely Place

Having a support system when you have psoriasis is so crucial. A while back I wrote an article about losing a big part of my support system when my mom passed away unexpectedly. She was my champion and supported everything I done when it came to my psoriasis advocacy. She accompanied me to many events such as event walks or conferences. Being a nurse for years, she wanted to learn as much about psoriasis and what I had to live with. I can’t tell you how much I miss her support. It has left an incredible void.

I have friends that have psoriasis. There is support there. I have those friends I can go to when I need that support. However, in my opinion, you can never have too much support when you live and battle psoriasis like we do.

Finding support people with psoriasis

I am very open about my psoriasis. Most of the time the people I tell are very open to what I am saying. However, as I am sure you know, there are those that are not open and immediately back away. It used to really hurt my feelings, but I have lived with psoriasis for over 20 years now. If someone backs away, I just take it with a grain of salt and move on.

Some people, no matter what, will not take the time to get to know me and I am okay with that. There are, however, those that take the time. Recently I found a group of people that are taking an interest in my psoriasis journey. Not just the journey but what I have to live with and how it affects me daily. It was so unexpected, but it has been wonderful.

I still get nervous sometimes

Sometimes I still get a little nervous when telling people about my psoriasis because of past experiences, but I don’t let it stop me. Recently, my husband and I have started attending a new church. It is close to our home. The congregation is small with only about 30 people that attend on a good day. They are an amazing group of people most of whom are older than me. They are caring and have really taken an interest in my psoriasis story.

I found out one lady also has psoriasis but has been silent about it because she is fearful of rejection. That makes my heart hurt for her but hopefully she at least knows she can talk to me now about psoriasis.

Feeling supported

I have been asked questions from many of the people in my new church about how psoriasis impacts me. There is genuine concern, and they are always checking to see how I am doing. It makes it so much easier on me when I am having a bad day. I don’t have to cover up how I am feeling. If I am fatigued as we so often are then I can share that with them.

So far, I haven’t had a flare since attending, but I figure at some point I will be explaining what that is. I don’t fear rejection there. Their concern for me is genuine and something that honestly has caught me a bit off guard. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for their support. It kind of feels like I have some of the support back that has been lost. Nothing can ever replace my mom’s support, but I now have more support to draw from when I need it which is always a good thing.

Have you ever found psoriasis support in an unlikely place or person? If so, would you please share that below in the comments.