Four Important Things Having Psoriasis Has Taught Me

Psoriasis is a chronic, lifelong condition with a huge emotional and physical impact. Finding joy with such a burdensome problem can be difficult. But I have found reasons to love — yes, love — the fact I’m living with psoriasis. Despite the flare-ups and the itchy, scaly red patches, I’ve found you can be happy with this condition. Here’s what psoriasis has taught me.

Living with psoriasis has made me more empathetic and understanding

Living with a chronic condition like psoriasis means I find myself more engaged with other people’s stories. I can better understand their hardships and personal struggles. I take the time to listen to what they have to say and to understand what they’re telling me. Living with something as visible as psoriasis allows me to connect with them and their own story.

It has made me realize appearance isn’t everything

Don’t get me wrong, as a young person I do want to look good. But there are such high expectations for people to have the perfect body, perfect hair, or perfect legs, when actually you should just do whatever makes you happy. Want to get flat abs? Do it. Want to be better at running and feel fitter? Get on with it. Psoriasis has taught me that appearance isn’t everything, but what I want to be is healthy and happy. Making the right food and drink choices and looking after myself is important to me, and that's what will give me the appearance that makes me happy.

It has made me appreciate each day

Many people with psoriasis struggle to come to terms with having the condition. They can often feel like it’s their fault and lose hope. However, with the right support and a change of mindset, over time, it can get better. That dark cloud will lift and you’ll feel happy in your own skin as someone who is proud to have psoriasis. It doesn’t have to be the end of the world. You can make it through.

It has allowed me new and unique opportunities

I am lucky enough to be able to share my story and my ongoing battle with this chronic condition, but that wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t have it. Yes, of course, no one wants to have psoriasis because it’s horrible and debilitating. But if you look at what you’ve gained from it, it can be pretty liberating. I’m able to write for this website and have connected with others who have the condition, learning from them about their struggles and how we can all work toward finding ways to live with it, peacefully and harmoniously.

Psoriasis is a terrible condition. It can affect you mentally and physically. It can take time to find the right treatments, and it can seem hugely burdensome and difficult.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you look at it in a different way, and if you keep going and get support, you will find brighter days are ahead. Connect with people who also have the condition, research treatments, and make living with this condition as best you can a top priority. It’s lifelong and it will come and go. But with a positive attitude, you’ll make it through and thrive.