Psoraisis Help - Living With Psoriasis and Depression

By Danielle W. Lee

At first glance, psoriasis may seem like a simple skin condition but it is so much more that. Psoriasis often impacts a person's emotional well-being as well. 25% of people with psoriasis are also diagnosed with depression and anxiety due to their skin's condition. Overall, 39% of psoriasis patients are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts due to their disease.
Psoriasis can be mild, moderate, or severe; for people who have severe psoriasis, the affliction may interfere with their daily lives. In cases where the whole body is covered lesions, the sufferer may experience a low quality of life that induces depression. Skin can often be so dry that it cracks, making it painful for the patient to complete simple daily tasks. In addition, many psoriasis sufferers are self-conscious of the way their skin appears and how others with no understanding of the disease may perceive them. Young adults with psoriasis are especially vulnerable; many cite that they feel psoriasis impedes their ability to date and socialize freely.
Because there is no clinical cure for psoriasis, the disease often cycles through periods of remission and hyperactivity-many psoriasis patients take medications and drugs to control their symptoms, but there is no drug that can effectively control psoriasis in the long-term without side effects. Often, stopping medication will lead to a psoriasis flare up; it is the vicious cycle of psoriasis flares that frustrates patients and makes them feel hopeless. Here are some ways to avoid depression from psoriasis.
Dealing with Psoriasis and Depression Strategy #1: Reducing Stress
Stress and psoriasis are linked. Psoriasis causes patients stress, and stress worsens psoriasis, which leads to a loop that may eventually cause depression. Try to keep your mind relaxed by meditating or focus on activities which put you at ease. In moments of acute stress due to psoriasis, take deep breaths to calm yourself. Take things slowly and focus on getting through one day at a time; try not to overwork or over-exert yourself. Many psoriasis patients have cited yoga as a beneficial activity that both calms the mind and strengthens the body.
Dealing with Psoriasis and Depression Strategy #2: Join a Support Group
Living with psoriasis and dealing with the hardships that come with it can take a toll on anyone. You don't have to do it alone; there are many support groups available both online and locally that help psoriasis patients deal with their emotions. It may be helpful to interact with other psoriasis sufferers and discuss strategies for managing depression and anxiety associated with the condition.
Dealing with Psoriasis and Depression Strategy #3: Get Adequate Sleep
Staying on a regular sleep schedule can help with both depression and psoriasis symptoms. Both too little and too much sleep can worsen psoriasis and cause depression. Too little sleep can over-stress the body which may inflame psoriasis further, but too much sleep makes a person lethargic and more likely to be depressed. Make sure you're getting enough sleep so that you feel relaxed and alert.
These are just a few strategies to manage depression and psoriasis. Remember that psoriasis does not define you as a person. Focus on the positive things and try to enjoy life.
Danielle W. Lee is a former psoriasis sufferer who found her cure through careful trial and error. She tried conventional psoriasis treatments prescribed to her by doctors, but found that none of them worked for long. She became interested in treating psoriasis naturally after learning about the frightening side effects of various conventional drugs. Through her research, she has discovered a 100% natural cure for psoriasis that is safe, effective, and cheap. Please visit http://psoriasisnomore.net for more information.
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