Dealing with serious skin issues causing depression

First… thank you so much for reaching out. It’s really hard when serious skin issues are getting truly in the way of living a full life. Our skin is SO visible. Other people forget that it’s tough to hide and many start feeling isolated. Please don’t give up here!!! There is hope and the chance to change your situation. Your mental health is the most important thing! Solutions first lie in getting your depression treated! If you don’t have one, please find a great, really great psychologist or other mental health professional who can see you at least weekly. You have so much to be proud of. You’ve navigated, more than many grownups, a complicated health care system. You are resourceful and articulate, and you have a voice that’s clear in your writing, and could help others. You are 15, and your hormones, personality and brain are still evolving…. a lot. And you have a purpose in this world, you just don’t quite know it yet. Please reach out to others… both to help those with similar problems… and to get help.

Here are some ideas:

• Can you find a skin centered support group online where you can converse and share stories and experiences?
• Is there a University center with maybe more diagnostic capability where you could be seen and have a group of dermatologists help you. Sometimes they call this Dermatology Grand Rounds.  I know you have PCOS, but that doesn’t mean another diagnosis might not have been missed.
• Can you look at other family members? Do any others in your family have these issues?  If so, a genetics clinic may be helpful.
• Please find a good therapist! He/she may be able to help you find a support group too.
• Look for ways to help others with skin conditions or other problems. You are clearly intelligent and resourceful. You can help others with those qualities.

Everyone’s’ heart goes out to you and wishes you well. Please write back and let us know how you are doing in a few months!  None of us need to be perfect in any way. These challenges you are facing, when you overcome them, will give you a special place in the universe, and a special empathy for others. That’s priceless.

I hope this helps,

Dr. I

 

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