9 replies to this topic

[kes]

Iam 31 just now 32 in april and had this current of acne since about 18 months ago, i get very red raised lumps and nearly always the are painful (they often and very purple and agrresive looking). Although I did also have it from 26 until I got pregnant in jan 04 then it went away again (obviously change in hormones) I do at the moment suffer from depression and anxiety. but just thought which is causing the problem is the anxiety/ depression giving me the acne or is the acne making me feel like this. I do always go to the doctor but alot of people dont think spots are actually a real problem. I recently started looking online due not getting much further with docs. Iam now on my 3rd lot of antibiotics which I have been trying since sept 06, this time they have doubled the dose and 4 weeks later they still not looking any better. I do know it can take months but it is since sept I have been on diff antibiotics for. I mainly suffer from my ears down to mum chin and around my gland area, but also have others scattered around my face. It feels better just writing about it as I feel really alone at the moment, people dont know how much this can affect your whole life. Iam very pale so I feel they look alot worse on me due to this and they have badly scared me (very purple) I do use bio oil which helps scarring but I cant use it if skin is sore as I cant rub it in. I do know my acne is not as severe as I have seen as I had a friend years ago who had it all over her back n chest etc. But to me its bad enough, as I never had spots when I was younger, I just feel as if many stare etc and manyt just come out and say whats wron with your face.? Is it not obvious. rant over now.. thanks for being here

[A-Shizzle]

I know that when my face was bad it made me depressed - I think it affects a lot of us that way. People who dn't have acne think it's no bi deal and they are terribly wrong! If you need to talk, I'm around often.

Felt good to get that off your chest huh?!

[Foomph]

Persaonlly, I am depressed and have anxiety whether clear or full of cysts. The cysts do make everything worse, but I've also had perfect skin at time and been more depresssed than ever.

[timmytim]

well i guess for many anxiety / depression and acne are inextricably linked.

anxiety and stress can cause acne, not to mention other illnesses, so try and relax!


tim

[kes]

It really did help to talk about it with other who have been there with the acne, unless you had it people dont know how hard it is, they just think its spots and ofcourse tell you a million products they use/usedin the past. Cause you have never tried to clear them up yourself.

[Cyph31]

no it doesn't seem to help to discuss it with others because they will almost certainly advise you to treat the symptoms (using topicals, medication) instead of treating the source (diet, fitness, sleep)

[Foomph]

instead of treating the source (diet, fitness, sleep)

That (diet, fitness, sleep) doesn't always affect acne for everyone. It's ignorant to think that curing that aspect will cure someone of their acne.

[mskitty]

I am wondering if anxiety and depression have been linked to acne for myself. I just recently began taking Effexor/ativan for my severe anxiety. So far, I have noticed a positive change in my skin. I used to be so stressed constantly that I am almost positive it caused my cysts. Medication isn't always the answer, but it can be a good start.

[lucky girl]

I have also felt very anxious and depressed from acne I know it was the acne as as soon as it went away with Roaccutane I was my 'old' self. I used to hide away and avoid social things. I would lie to people and say the kids were sick or whatever. i was totally miserable. I think the anxiety came from feeling so desperate that everything I tried used to either not do anything or make it worse!!!! I would constantly be wondering what part of what I was doing was causing more acne and it did my head in. it'a such a deflating feeling when you wake up each morning hoping that your skin is looking a little better and all you are faced with is another pussy pimple or a painful lump that you know is only going to get bigger!!! It's overwhelming.

You just have to tell yourself (because it is true). People really do like you for the person you are, not the surface of your skin. Cliched but true. Try not to look in every mirror you see and focus on building your self esteem, because it just isn't fair that acne dictates our lives. I have had a few minor breakouts again recently hence coming back on this site, and I am starting to worry as I just don't want to go back to that horrible existence. I am trying to stay focused on not worrying too much about it but I know it iwill be a challenge if it gets worse. It's not really a vanity thing as I can handle it if I have a few but it just when it is painful and you feel like it is a feature of your face that can't be missed that it is a problem

[Cyph31]

People really do like you for the person you are, not the surface of your skin.

No sadly most of them don't

because the media and the majority of society tells them that what they see is the most important instead of what they discover from you by getting into a relationship/friendship

but i suppose it also comes down to human nature that we want partners that are biologically fit for offspring