P is for dePression-my story

[Dani]

Hi All

I've been using the site for some time now but haven't yet posted my history of psoriasis, as its always been something I hated talking about it. But after reading all of your posts and replies to myself, I figured that ur a cool bunch of people and, far from thinking I'm pitying myself, are much more likely to be understanding. You see, I'm actually kinda ashamed of the reason I have P, as it's my fault. I had never had it before, just a bit of eczema and dry skin skin in places. However, when I was 15 I started to suffer with depression and I started to self-harm. I was a miserable mess and the only way I knew to deal with it was to slice myself up. It's bizarre, I know. Then, because I was so run down, I got a really bad case of strep tonselitus (I have no idea how thats spelt!) and P set into every single scar and cut. This P gradually healed on its own but now I have it all over, in places I'v never even touched with a knife. I dont self harm anymore as I'm over my depression but the P is still there and so are the scars (which would prolly be gone if it wasn't for the P) and all I can think is 'its my fault. I wouldnt have it if Id never picked up that knife'. That makes me feel so ashamed and I think the stress of feeling that way is causing another flare up. Im curious to know if anyone else has had a similar experience with D and P?

D

[Michael]

Hi Dani

Welcome to the forum  

Wow! What a story, all I can say is that you will find lots of support here from people living with P everyday...

I know stress can play a big part in psoriasis. I am convinced that is how mine started (see my history). Stress and depression are related I guess. although I am no expert..

There is certainly a relationship between P and damaged skin though

See this article on the koebner effect:

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Hope you find the forum helpful and a place were you can share your feelings amongst friends..

Thanks
Michael
((*o

[Dani]

Wow! What a story, all I can say is that you will find lots of support here from people living with P everyday...

I have been using this site for about a month and a half and the people on here are great.

Since reading everybody's posts I have come up with some good home made treatments (camomile tea seems to help me!) and they all came from putting other people's experiences together, to find products that were right for me.

I've even done things like giving up orange juice for a month and dairy products to find out if either triggers my skin (it's still in early stages of experimentation!). I am also off to buy some Aloe Vera juice (and a nose clip for while I'm drinking it!).

I was so exasperated with my skin but this site has inspired and helped me to help myself.

Thanks so much
D

[Emma]

Dani,

Glad to hear that you're finding inspiration from the site. I joined last year and have experimented with several different treatments. The best one for me seems to be the Pagano diet. I know others haven't had as much success with it - but for me it's been brilliant.

Keep going - there'l be something out there that helps you!

Em.x

[Guy]

Im curious to know if anyone else has had a similar experience with D and P?

Thanks for being so open and honest with us Dani - I personally feel priviledged to have heard you tale.  I certainly have had experience with P and D.  Had a terrible period about 2 years ago and the effect of the D on my skin was incredibly dramatic.  Since then I have endeavoured to remember this and find ways to de-stress and keep my spirits as high as I can.

All the best to you.

Guy

[Dani]

Since then I have endeavoured to remember this and find ways to de-stress and keep my spirits as high as I can.

Thanks Guy,

Knowing that someone else has had a similar experience has made me feel a lot less ashamed about what I've done to myself.

In fact I guess I have my P to thank for getting myself better. I had to stop self-harming to try and slow the effect of P on the damage skin, and when I stopped self-harming, I found myself getting better.

Since the P set in and I sorted myself out, everybody has said I'm a much nicer person and I'm the one evryone comes to, as I apparantely listen without judging. I guess that's because I know I come acroos as happy, but you never know what someone's been through. I guess I can also thank P for saving my relationship with my bf of a year. As he was finding my D very hard to cope with. But things are looking up.

Thanks for the support  
Luv u all
D

P.S. Emma, did u say u lost weight with Pagano's???!!!

[Emma]

Dani,

Have lost a stone and a half since starting it last November. I've sort of slackened off a bit a couple of times. I tend to ease off as my skin improves. At the moment it's almost 100% clear and I get a bit complacent! But a few weeks back being strict soon gets it under control.

I'd like to add to Guy's comment that I think you're really brave sharing your experiences with us. The first (and hardest maybe) step to  getting better admitting to the problems in the first place.
We're all here for each other in good and bad - so keep posting!

Em.x

[Dani]

Thanks Emma,

I'm going to Croydon on Saturday and buy everything I can find about the diet!!!! Even if it doesn't work for my skin, I could do with losing a bit of weight!!!!

I've just spent a fortune in Holland and Barratt buying EPA and Cod Liver capsules and Aloe Vera juice, supplements etc! If I bombard my skin, surely something will have to work    

I'll let u all know how it goes!

D

[Emma]

You might find that there's nothing in the shops about the pagano diet Dani.
I ordered my book through Amazon and I haven't come across anyone else who's bought it in the UK.

Let me know if you find anything.

Em.x

[Dani]

 

Damn and blast!!!! I don't have a credit card - too young!!  

In that case, it'll be a pleading sob story to the parental units about how hard it is being 17 and living with P!  

Then I drop the bombshell... "so Mum, can I borrow you're credit card?"    :-/

I did try getting it on my debit and it rejected it - charming!

Thanks for letting me know, I owuld have got very confused if I couldn't find it and didn't know why   Anyways wish me luck with the mother!

D