Mental Health Awareness and Psoriasis

During the months of November and December, I really struggled, mentally. Some say it’s the holidays. Others said it had to do with COVID-19. Maybe it was a combination of both.

All I know is that mentally it was hard for me to feel any joy. You see, I love the holidays, time spent with my family is what I truly love.

The impact mental health can have

Around this time, it was recommended that you do not intake too much news. Sure, I could have kept from listening to the news, but even if I didn’t, the fear of spreading COVID-19 had been drilled into everyone, especially concerning large gatherings of people.

It truly did not feel like the holidays to me. What’s more, is that my birthday also falls during the holidays. Another reason to celebrate but it was not to be this year.

Sometimes it's not easy to find the good things

As I sit here and write this, I am very aware of how much I am struggling mentally. I do not believe for a minute that I am the only one. 2020 has been such a hard year for everyone. Usually in the past when I find myself feeling depressed, I could snap out of it by looking back over the good things in my life that have happened.

Don’t get me wrong, those good things are still there tucked away in my memory. This holiday season, however, just felt so much different. I moved through each holiday not feeling much of a purpose for the day. It’s sad and that is how I felt. Nothing felt right to me. To say that I am glad the holiday season is now over is an understatement.

Mental health should be taken seriously

Believe me when I say that I am not looking for sympathy, then or now. I have a son that has been institutionalized twice because of mental health reasons. It has brought me to understand more about the significant issue.

As for us, that are living with psoriasis, mental health is a real struggle, especially in those newly diagnosed. I know it was for me. I ran every range of emotion from sadness, depression, anger to finding some way to deal with it mentally. It has taken years to get to that final point. However, now I find myself dealing with those emotions again.

Living with a compromised immune system

A new year has begun. It brings with it the ability to make 2020 fade into nothingness. It’s usually a time to start fresh, a new beginning in a new year. However, that doesn’t seem like a reality for now.

Those living with psoriasis will still be faced a compromised immune system. For me, it means the potential for a looming flare. I find myself not mentally strong and stress is my biggest trigger.

Let's talk openly about mental health

Let’s have an open and honest discussion about where we stand mentally as we take on this new year. It’s hard to open up about, but I know it is real. Mental health is so important when it comes to living and dealing with psoriasis.

Why am I writing about this? As I stated, I do not believe I am alone in this reality of mental strain.

How are you doing mentally? Are there resources that you need that you do not feel are available to you? If so, I would love to hear what that is.