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Mypsoriasisandmental health issueshave always been closely connected.
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In fact, Im not sure which came first.
Id noticed what I thought was dry skin on my elbows that just wouldnt quit.
It started smallnothing a littlemoisturizer wouldnt soothe.
I also didnt really understand my mental health at that point.
Since then, Ive spent my life coming to terms with my depression and my autoimmune disorder.
But its only been over the last few years that Ive realized how much my mood affects my skin.
Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis, which can create a vicious cycle.
My skin flares up.
I get anxious because I feel like its out of my control.
So, sometimes, I avoid doing the things I love.
I feel down about it.
Maybe not a full-on, cant-get-out-of-bed-in-the-morning depression, but a palpable low mood.
My skin gets worse.
You get the picture.
For starters, thebiological inflammatory processesthat exacerbate skin conditions may also make mental health conditions worse.
Psoriasis is often mistaken for an infectious disease by the general public, Dr. Rieder says.
However, its not infectious and cant be transmitted between people.
Unfortunately, experts still dont know much about the emotional component of psoriasis.
According to Dr. Rieder, the relationship may be bidirectional.
Some days my psoriasis doesnt bother me; it barely registers in my mind.
Other days its all I can think about.
Taking care of your psoriasislike taking care of your mental healthmay look slightly different for everyone.
But still, I grab those early nights and long lies whenever possible.
I try not to put extra pressure on myself to do all the things beyond work and family.
If Im lucky, shell go to bed early and I can box or lift some weights.
If Im really lucky, Ill get a sitter and sweat it out at the gym for an hour.
Again, I do what I can.
If you dont think your doctor cares, go to another one.
Ask lots of questions; figure out what road you want to take.
I also keep my skin hydrated, which is the simplest but possibly most effective thing I do.