There have been countless moments in my life when well-meaning friends tried to comfort me. I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” But unless you’ve walked in my shoes, you can’t truly understand what I’ve been through.
I’ve had psoriasis for 56 years—a journey filled with hospital stays, unbearable pain, and far too many moments of feeling completely lost. High school, in particular, was a nightmare.
The Struggle No One Saw
As a teenager, I dreaded facing the world. People stared, whispered, and looked at me as if I had three heads.
Most days, I felt like I was having a nervous breakdown. I spent more time in the nurse’s office than in class, crying silently while trying to hold myself together. Four years of this, and yet not a single person—not even my doctors—suggested I needed help.
I just wanted to make it through. I thought adulthood would be easier.
The Weight of Adulthood
I got married, had kids, and took on the responsibilities of being a wife and mother. But the pain never left. I was covered in psoriasis from head to toe.
- What if my children inherited this?
- Would I be able to care for them with my painful hands?
- Why did I feel so unmotivated all the time?
I didn’t want to disappoint my husband or let others think I was a bad mom. So, I pushed through—holding a good job, being a loving mother, and managing a household. On the outside, I looked strong.
But the truth? I cried every single day.
The Turning Point
I finally saw a psychologist, and their words hit me like a wave:
“You smile on the outside, but you’re crying on the inside.”
For the first time, someone recognized my pain—and I started to see things differently.
Growing up in the 70s, mental illness wasn’t something people talked about. We were expected to tough it out. But I now realize how many teens go untreated and undiagnosed, just like I did.
Recognizing the Signs
Anyone—no matter how strong or successful—can struggle with mental health. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses can stem from:
- Loss of a loved one
- Divorce or family issues
- Chronic illness or pain
- Substance abuse
Some warning signs include:
- Withdrawing from others
- Persistent sadness or mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed
If you notice changes in your child, a loved one, or even yourself, don’t ignore it. Seek help. Talk to someone. It’s never too late.
The Breakthrough
Looking back, I realize that getting help was the best decision I ever made. My pain didn’t disappear, but my ability to cope and navigate life did.
If my story can encourage just one person to seek help, then sharing it was worth it.
You are not alone. You are not weak. And you deserve healing.
There are times when you feel you can’t go on. Please consider finding someone to talk too; join a support group. Also, never let anyone tell you that you can’t be treated. There is a treatment that will help you. Just keep hoping that one day a cure will be found for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.