Taking Care of Your Emotional Health

One of the most important elements of treating psoriasis is taking care of your mental health. Living with psoriasis can be stressful and depressing (remember "the heartbreak of psoriasis"?), and that can exacerbate your physical discomfort. Effective self-care can turn this around, easing both your emotional and physical symptoms.

For people with visible psoriasis, it can be a struggle to maintain a positive self-image and interact with strangers. More stress can pile up if your family members, friends, or coworkers don't understand your condition and what you're coping with. Ask your physician to help you with stress-reduction strategies and to do a family counseling session about psoriasis.

It can be helpful to confide in a close friend or join an online support group. Over time, the sympathetic support of understanding friends and family can make a big difference in improving your health.