Who do you turn to when you’re feeling down or lonely?
Not only is Psoriasis a debilitating physical condition, it is also an incredibly taxing condition on an individual mentally and emotionally. A study published in July 2016 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that psoriasis was associated with depression in 38% of patients and social anxiety in 46% of patients. According to a study published in March 2017 in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, social anxiety increases with disease severity, particularly in teenagers and young adults. The more important appearance was to a person’s feelings of self-worth, the higher their level of social anxiety.
To have a support network or a community to turn to when you are feeling down or upset is crucial. Anxiety and depression are often labelled as the hidden symptoms of Psoriasis. To have a group of like-minded individuals living in similar circumstances can help you to know that you are not alone in battling this horrible disease. There are some fantastic support networks and communities online, some of them have been posted below.
Psoriasis Australia
Psoriasis Australia is the only Australian patient support group registered with IFPA, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations, and IADPO (Global Skin) the International Association of Dermatology Patients Organisations. “As part of a larger global federation, we have the power to mobilize psoriasis stakeholders from a wide range of countries and sectors. We strive to assist people with Psoriasis, and Psoriatic Arthritis, (or those just wanting to know about psoriasis), by providing up to date information and support enabling educated decisions to be made on treatment choices and lifestyle changes.”
Overcoming Psoriasis
Overcoming Psoriasis is a closed Facebook group founded by Todd Bello. Over the years, this support group has grown to have over 25,000 active members who openly talk about their individual Psoriasis journeys. Overcoming Psoriasis is a safe space for Psoriasis sufferers to open up and engage with a community of like minded individuals.
MyPsoriasis Team
MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for those living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Get the emotional support you need from others like you, and gain practical advice and insights on managing treatment or therapies for psoriasis. MyPsoriasisTeam is the only social network where you can truly connect, make real friendships, and share daily ups and downs in a judgment-free place
Photo credit for the blog belongs to the incredibly talented @_restingitchface. You can find this picture and all of her other incredible work on her Instagram page.
Please follow these links for more information on the support groups: