Psoriasis is a serious condition that can strongly affect how you see yourself – and how others see you. A survey by the National Psoriasis Foundation in the United States found that 79% of respondents with severe psoriasis believed that their disease had a negative impact on their quality of life. People with psoriasis can feel embarrassed by their appearance, leading to low body image and low self-esteem. They may feel socially stigmatized and excluded. These feelings can affect their relationships with friends, co-workers and even family members.
A 2007 online survey of 514 Canadians with moderate to severe psoriasis found that:
- 19% reported depression,
- 18% anxiety and
- 18% insomnia or sleep disorders.
Living with a chronic disease can lead to feelings of frustration and anxiety, and that’s completely normal. However, if you suffer from prolonged periods of depression it is not normal and – like any other illness – requires intervention. When you’re depressed, it can be hard to find the energy to seek medical attention. But the right treatment is essential and can help stop the suffering.
Read the Signs!
Common signs of depression include:
- Changes in your appetite and weight (e.g., either a poor appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain)
- Changes in your sleep pattern (e.g., sleeping too much, not being able to get to sleep, waking up frequently or waking too early)
- Slowed movement, such as slowed walking, or possibly agitation and restlessness
- Waning sex drive
- Loss of energy, weakness and extreme fatigue
- Lack of interest in things that used to satisfy you and an inability to have fun
- Anxiety
- Getting upset at even minor things, irritability and unusual hostility
- Trouble concentrating and making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt and failure
- A hopelessly bleak outlook
- Hypochondria or a preoccupation with fears about your health
- Suicidal thoughts and death wishes – if these occur, seek immediate medical attention
If you experience 4 or more symptoms, most days, for 2-3 weeks you may be depressed. Please, see your doctor and tell him/her your symptoms.
