{"id":5354,"date":"2014-03-25T11:00:13","date_gmt":"2014-03-25T11:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/?p=5354"},"modified":"2023-03-11T13:56:46","modified_gmt":"2023-03-11T13:56:46","slug":"shocking-truth-skin-disorder-mood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/shocking-truth-skin-disorder-mood.htm","title":{"rendered":"The Shocking Truth About Your Skin Disorder and Your Mood"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"skin<\/a>

By: Mark Skipper<\/p><\/div>\n

Modern day perceptions of beauty are overwhelmingly centred on the premise of perfection . Perfect hair, perfect weight, and perfect clothes. And, increasingly, perfect skin. But what if you suffer a skin disorder?<\/p>\n

The cult of perfect skin<\/h2>\n

We’ve all seen cruel headlines in the press like,<\/strong> “Katy Perry suffers a bad skin day with a big breakout of spots”. “Rihanna had a massive acne breakout”. And “Kim Kardashian fears her career is over after being diagnosed with psoriasis”.<\/p>\n

What impact does this unrealistic focus on perfect skin have<\/strong> on those amongst us struggling with skin disorders such as acne, vitiligo or rosacea? As well as those just experiencing short-term blemishes?<\/p>\n

\n

Unfortunately, it means that skin problems are now far from just a simple medical problem. They are increasingly a psychological problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

But I only get occasional spots, can it really be why I feel depressed?<\/h2>\n

Psychological studies show that anything from a small blemish on your face to having a widespread skin disorder can lead to significant psychological distress and can severely damage self-esteem and confidence.<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is surprising is that the severity of the psychological stress is only weakly related to the severity of the skin disorder. To some, having a small blemish can affect them as much as someone who has a more severe form of skin disorder like rosacea or psoriasis.<\/p>\n

But surely it’s all in my head and just vanity to feel bad about my skin?<\/h2>\n

Often, if you feel down because of your skin, your friends and family can tell you ‘it’s all in your head’ and ‘don’t be vain’. But society’s obsessive focus on perfection means that many people with skin problems have unpleasant experiences that would leave anyone upset.<\/p>\n

\n

In 2012, the British Skin Foundation conducted a survey in which 729 people were asked a series of questions relating to their skin condition. 47% of respondents said that they had been victims of verbal abuse at least once.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

And if anyone doubts the seriousness of depression caused by a skin disorder, or wants to say ‘it’s all vanity’, note that 1 in 6 people in the same study mentioned above admitted to self-harm as a result of their condition. Even more disturbingly, 7 out of the 729 said they had attempted suicide, with another 17% stating they had contemplated suicide at some stage.<\/p>\n

What’s the point of these dismal statistics? That it’s time to stop beating yourself up if you feel low about your skin disorder and realise you aren’t alone. <\/span><\/p>\n

Skin problems can have an impact on those around you, too. Your parents and siblings might feel distressed on your behalf, or worried about your lack of self-esteem<\/a><\/strong>. And if you sense they feel bad for you, it can just make you feel worse, or as if somehow it’s your fault they are upset and worried.<\/p>\n

So exactly what psychological conditions might my skin disorder be responsible for, then?<\/h2>\n
\"male<\/a>

By: Internet Archive Book Images<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Common psychological and social problems associated with skin conditions can include:<\/p>\n