Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that disrupts daily life based on the necessity of ongoing medical treatment, the physical discomfort, and the pain that accompanies the condition. Even more important, at least for most of us, is the effect the disease has on our appearance and in how we present ourselves to the outside world.
It is important to remember that others' perception of our physical appearance may not be the same as the appearance that we think we project. Although it is silly to think that others do not notice our condition or that their judgment of us is never influenced by outward appearance, we can easily slip into patterns of hypersensitivity, where we overestimate how negatively others view us. if we present ourselves to others in ways that betray insecurity or unnecessary fear about prejudicial treatment, we risk damaging our social relationships much more than would be the case based only on our physical appearance.
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| Coping With Psoriasis |
Psychologists often emphasize the importance of "self-talk" in helping us cope with stressful or uncomfortable situations. In this light it is necessary that we keep reminding ourselves that psoriasis is a condition we live with, but it is not a defining characteristic of who we are as people. Of course, "self-talk" is cheap; it is one thing to tell ourselves that psoriasis is no big deal, but quite another to actually believe it. However, we will be more likely to believe it the more we tell ourselves that we are much more than a collection of blotchy red spots and scaling skin.
Earlier I mentioned the importance of feelings of control for psychological well-being. This need for control leaves many of us obsessed with finding a cure. This is probably not a useful strategy. With some chronic diseases, chronic pain being the most notable, the search for a cure actually worsens the condition. People with chronic pain often experience a significant degree of pain relief once they accept that the pain will remain a part of their lives. This is not to say that we shouldn't remain optimistic about an eventual cure because the current flurry of research activities investigating new treatments provides much reason for optimism. However, we are not there yet, and we would be wise to accept the old saying about accepting the things we cannot change.
However, accepting the reality of our condition is not the same as being passive. We can achieve a sense of control by actively pursuing the options that are available to us, and we will likely achieve an improvement in our symptoms. Obsessively seeking a cure is not helpful; active coping is.
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| Coping With Psoriasis |
There are many ways to cope, and I do not intend to exhaust them here. One thing we can do is seek support from others who share our experience through the many support groups that exist. Another way to actively cope is to pursue, in consultation with our doctors, the variety of new treatment opportunities that are now opening up. Considering a change in lifestyle may also be helpful. Although we no longer think that unhealthy living habits and psychological stress are the root causes of psoriasis, it seems likely that these factors can worsen our conditions. We can also do ourselves a favor being active collaborators with our doctors, which moves us beyond the role of "patient" to the role of an active problem solver. One way to do this is to keep ourselves educated about the nature of our condition and of the emerging findings that provide us with the means by which to enhance the quality of our lives. In reading this blog, you have already demonstrated your interest in education and in being an active coper. What else can you do to help yourself?
- Get educated: Learn as much as possible about psoriasis so you can better understand the disease and achieve realistic expectations.
- Find a doctor who works for you: Finding the right doctor and developing a good relationship is important to positive treatment results.
- Communicate: Communicating your feelings to your doctor, family, and peers will help improve your life and your relationships.
- Give treatment a chance: Certain medications take weeks to kick in. Be patient. Don't give up hope.
- Take time to relax and enjoy stress-free moments.
- Be positive!
- Seek a support group.