Psoriasis and the downward spiral

Posted Wed 17 Jul 2024 20.45 by Adamf124

I'm not sure what to say or how to start this. I'm Adam, 32, and I've had psoriasis for a long time now. It first appeared on my scalp, and is now present on at least three quarters of my body. It is extremely debilitating, and very recently I have considered ending my life because of it. I have only tried UV therapy and creams so far, I am scared to death of injections, and when my doctor originally told me the next step was tablets, after looking at the required amount of blood tests and the potrntial side effects, I very quickly said no. This was probably 4-5 years ago now, (timings are terrible) and for whatever reason after having a daughter, finding the love of my life and a career I enjoy, I find myself at the mercy of this horrid 'disease' and wanting to end it all. It's now worse than ever. I constantly flake it massive amounts, I can't hoover it up at home quicker than I produce it, and at the office I'm at the mercy of hoping my colleagues never ask me what's falling off my clothes and body. I cannot moisturise enough, after an hour of slopping it on my body has absorbed it and goes back to cracking and bleeding with the slightest move. I have noticed it starting to appear on my hands, face and now genitals, and this would be the final straw for me. My mental health has been in the toilet for many months now, (around november I moved house and it took a horrible toll on my relationship with my daughter and her mother) and this makes me feel like I'm disgusting on a daily basis. It's also beginning to affect my current relationship too. I have a Doctors appointment that I've had to wait a month for on the 30th, and I pray they can offer me some kind of solution and bring me back from the brink. Thank you if you took the time to read, I'm still not sure why I did this but I needed to get this down somewhere.

Posted Thu 18 Jul 2024 00.07 by ElleB

Dear Adam I'm sorry to hear the impact psoriasis is having on your wellbeing. The Psoriasis Association has a confidential helpline: Ring 01604 251 620 email mail@psoriasis-association.org.uk WhatsApp 07387 716 439 available Monday to Friday 09.00 to 16.00 There are two articles on PTSD UK's website you may find helpful: 1) The Link Between Skin Conditions and PTSD 2) Unexpected physical symptoms of PTSD In the "Psoriasis Experiences" forum you have posted, currently about half a dozen subjects down is the theme "My story and getting to the bottom of this" (last post dated 15 Jun 24). My contribution to this discussion is dated 18 May 23 and includes books that may be helpful. In Charlie Mackesy's book The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse it says: "What is the bravest thing you've ever said?" asked the boy. "Help" said the horse. Thank you for being brave enough to share your story. I hope you soon receive the support needed and your skin begins to improve.

Posted Thu 18 Jul 2024 09.11 by psoriasis association (admin)Mod

Hi Adamf124, Thank you for being so honest and open here. We're sorry to hear that you have been going through a hard time. We second ElleB's comment about getting in touch with us on our helpline. Please don't hesitate to reach out. Best wishes, Georgia, Psoriasis Association

Posted Mon 22 Jul 2024 01.11 by Scotus0 - 29 from Salford
Overcoming Guttate Flare-Ups | Pso blog: GetLostGuttate

Hi Adam, Psoriasis is indeed a horrid disease. It's genuinely upsetting to hear how it's affecting you- I wrote a blog about my experiences- perhaps you'd like to give the Mental Health Support page a read first: https://getlostguttate.blogspot.com/ If you want to get in touch, please do so. Psoriasis can be overcome.

Posted Wed 24 Jul 2024 11.38 by AnnieP

Hi Adam Thankyou for reaching out. I can relate to some of what you said and I sincerely hope that reaching out on this forum and the responses you have received already help you. Forums on line weren’t available when I was going through my ‘crisis’ and the feeling of being completely alone was very hard. Please know that you are not alone and connection - especially with people who have similar experiences- will really help you. I left the UK and a big part of the reason was the lack of support from health professionals in uk for our condition. That said, if I had my time again I would have advocated more for myself ( we are not good at doing that in UK- We are very grateful for a free health service but it makes us tolerate more than we should) I hope things get better for you.

Posted Thu 25 Jul 2024 08.20 by Joint man

I am new. Just got diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in Canada. Just started methotrexate 6 days ago. Pondering the link between anxiety and the disease. There’s something to it. Of course not 1:1 but can’t ignore it. I will explore diet and excess body weight too. Please listen to others on this chat and explore your mental health. It is well known that anxiety can greatly worsen psoriasis. Best,

Posted Thu 25 Jul 2024 23.30 by Snick

Hi Adam, sorry to read all this mate. My circumstances mirror yours almost to a tee. I’m a 32 year old male from the UK. I feel I can offer some advice/ support or just a general chat about stuff as I’ve been dealing with this crap for a long time too. Give me a shout back on this thread and I can send you my details. Cheers, Nick

Posted Thu 29 Aug 2024 13.10 by Denwill

Adam I have only just joined this group so just read your message. My son is experiencing exactly the same as you right now. I desperately hope you are okay. He is in the depths of despair. He tried methotrexate but the side effects and potential long term complications were a no no. He declines biological for the same reason. He is currently trying a six day fast. It is such a cruel condition with not enough research or hope.

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