There have been countless times when friends tried to comfort me through challenging times, saying things like, “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” But unless someone has walked a mile in my shoes, it’s hard to truly understand what I’ve been through. I’ve had psoriasis for 56 years. It’s not just a skin condition—it’s an emotional and mental battle, one that’s taken me to the hospital a few times and left me feeling down more times than I can count.
High School Struggles: Feeling Isolated and Misunderstood
Looking back at my high school years, I remember not wanting to face the world. I’d walk down the hallways feeling like everyone was staring at me as if I had three heads. There were days I felt on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I spent more time in the nurse’s office than in class, crying and feeling lost. High school was four long years of feeling isolated, and surprisingly, not one person thought to offer help—not even the doctors I saw monthly. All I wanted was to escape that part of my life, but little did I know, more challenges were on the way.
Marriage, Motherhood, and Constant Pain
After high school, I thought the worst was behind me. I got married, had children, and hoped life would improve. Yet, I was covered in psoriasis from head to toe, enduring constant pain. Every day, I worried: Will my kids inherit this? Can I hold my baby without hurting? I didn’t want to let my family down or let people think I was a bad mom. Despite the pain, I learned how to appear strong. I managed a good job, tried my best to be a loving wife and mother, but there wasn’t a single day I didn’t cry.
Seeking Help: Smiling on the Outside, Crying on the Inside
After years of enduring pain and internal struggles, I finally saw a psychologist. He told me something that resonated deeply: “You’re smiling on the outside but crying on the inside.” That moment changed everything. For the first time, I began to see things differently and found the help I needed. I grew up in the ’70s, and back then, mental health issues were rarely discussed, especially in our communities.
Mental Health Awareness Has Come a Long Way
We’ve come a long way since those days, but there are still many teens and adults who go untreated and undiagnosed. I was a straight-A student, yet nobody noticed I was battling depression. It made me realize that mental health problems can affect anyone—there’s no single “look” to it. Whether it’s triggered by a death, divorce, family issues, or drugs, mental health struggles can show up in various ways.
How to Recognize Signs of Mental Health Struggles
Recognizing mental health challenges early can make a big difference. Here are a few signs that someone, especially a child or teenager, may need help:
- Withdrawal: If a person isolates themselves from family or friends.
- Constant Sadness: Persistent feelings of sadness or low mood.
- Mood Swings: Frequent changes in mood that seem out of character.
- Sleep Issues: Difficulty sleeping at night or sleeping excessively.
If you see any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, don’t wait. Seek help to uncover what’s going on. It’s never too late to address mental health concerns, and reaching out can be the first step toward healing.
Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health and Psoriasis
Living with psoriasis and mental health challenges has taught me resilience. Through years of hidden pain, I finally found my breakthrough by seeking support and understanding. Today, I share my journey so that others might recognize the importance of mental health in chronic illness. You don’t have to walk this journey alone—help is available, and it’s okay to ask for it.