Yes. I totally understand what you mean! When I think about it, I usually come to conclusion that while I don't go out, I just look at stuff that can help me improve grades, or gain an extra stepping stone in my goal towards my *dream* job.

I feel you, for sure. As soon as i got into college (last year) i had the worst acne of my life. I hated the thought of going out and being sociable, because these days the teenage drama thing is overly intensified by everyone and their mother walking around with smart phones taking pictures that will be on the internet by the next day. So i was definitely reclusive. Also i always thought that people would assume that they knew everything about my state of mind just by seeing my face, i never wanted to be a downer-type, but people seemed to project that onto me on sight so i kind of became it. I eventually became numb towards other people and sank way into myself. This was devestating at the time, but although i wasn't out with others living the dream the time was not a total waste. I decided to try and cultivate a more spiritual lifestyle, thinking my acne issue was more of a spiritual crisis than a physical one. Now i can see the good and bad of acne taking over. All that is left is scarring, which will hopefully fade with time, but worse than that is the feeling of something being wrong with your skin. This is the worst thing for me now even though my skin is all but clear. On that depressing note, you should cheer up , im sure you've still got friends who can help you along.

I am already in my 20s and I know exactly how you feel. I think its tougher on girls then guys but, its not easy as a guy either. I think we need to practice tough love, practice taking chances, going out, and not letting our life be a victim. There is so much to live for. I shared a message with a beautiful girl on the forums after seeing her post. She seems really sweet but, very hard on herself like a lot of us are. I have met some girls in this new year but, I have my moments of depression and sadness too. I am seeking results, a new identity, not being someone who I seek pitty from others but, someone that is stronger for what I have gone through.

It sounds gay but, if a guy rejects you or if a girl rejects you cause of this, you are better off without them. Life is tough. It only gets tougher the older we get. I have lost a lot so, I cannot say enough about loving those you have in your life, enjoying what you got, and everything you have.

actually... yes and no. i feel like everyone in high school is so immature. its kind of ironic, me judging them (only in my mind of course) for trying to act all cool and judging everyone else. so maybe im just jealous? but the thing is im not really interested in hanging out with them, its kind of annoying how they take "being cool" so seriously. but then again i dont want to leave high school without going on a date, so i do feel like im missing out.

^^^and then after that though process.... *facepalm* duh, i have acne. wasted all that time and energy

ok i dont even understand what i just said, so dont mind me haha

Oh my god, I know exactly how you feel. I feel like you're describing my life. I am in my early 30's and spent all of my 20's avoiding people and social situations especially during periods of severe break outs. I've always wondered what my life would have been like if I'd had clear skin and even an ounce of confidence. But acne just kills every shred of confidence you've got. As it is, I'm not a super confident person but I always feel sooo much better about myself during clear periods. Right now I'm dealing with the worst break out I've had in my life, and I can honestly say it has sunk me into a serious depression. I spend most of the time at work at my desk and I actively avoid all the people who don't work in my department. Lately I've been having a lot of trouble even having conversations with most people because I'm so worried that they're just scrutinizing my face or feeling sorry for me. It's a really horrible feeling. I have this huge crush on a guy at work and I currently avoid him like the plague. Somehow him seeing me in my current state is the worse thing in the world for me even though I never had a chance with him anyway because he has a gorgeous girlfriend, but I still feel like its a matter of pride.

I know exactly how you feel. Personally, I learnt that I had to go outside and do whatever I had to do. The worst feeling is when you are with a group of people and they have crystal clear skin and you are the only one with acne. That's why I use Garnier Pure Active: Anti-Spots Roll-On. It dries out my pimples as well as covering them up. But that's just me. My confidence has gone down the drain due to acne. Luckily, it is clearing up. The scars may still be there, but it is looking so much better. I'm glad that my group at school isn't judgemental.

I kind of wish I had learned how to enjoy life regardless of my skin. I think because I let it dictate things, I'm still yet to learn how to let go and enjoy stuff, period. If my "youth" is essentially behind me as I head towards my late 20's, I might as well just draw a line under it all and start anew. I do find it hard not to regret things but it's a waste of energy and essentially pointless. Might as well turn it around, learn to be happy and like being me.

Perhaps that's the key for everyone - trying to learn to love yourself and, if your skin isn't as you'd like, trying to love other things about yourself instead. Even if time is passing and you might have passed up on some of your years and opportunities already, best to pick it up, try and be brave enough to put a stop to those ways by doing what makes you happy, and by making the most of your time from now on. We only get one shot!

You know what paul, looking great or having poor genetics is not in our control. I am as I am despite everything I have done to remove acne or scars. You cannot go years, decade or so with acne, and not get damage. I can bitch and complain, I can be depressed about it or I can choose to be happy and live. Making the choice, living happy regardless, having faith i the unknown, and loving myself not matter what makes a difference. It sounds cheesy and so dumb but, how do you go out or take a chance with someone? How does a man approach a girl with ruined confidence? You have to love yourself first and know, you are worth that chance. And it doesn't always work out and that is okay too. I have built up my confidence and became a much better and stronger person. It is not easy to approach someone, it is not easy to battle the limiting beliefs, depressing, the feeling of not being worthy but, I have a choice and I have decided, I will not give up or fall prey to this.

and your how old?

Well its hard thats all i can say.

Generally 3 things keep my sanity as ive grown up fast, didnt have a childhood like others, and had this problem for 4 years now.

1) Nursing. My job is rewarding, my job also gets me "invovled" otherwise i tend to keep to my self. I am willing to break my back for a patient but off work im shy. I have no real friends anymore since HS and college is not much different.

2) Future I: I want my nursing degree (RN) and i cannot not have it. I use it as my goal, my main goal. i do not put my skin first. I cannot.

3)Future II: I want to be able to have and provide a better life in the future for future kids. Although a long shot now i know i have to have the career. I want to be able to provide, do, be what i never hard. I want to keep living so i can meet that person that makes my spine tingle when im around them.

Such are the reasons i keep going in a positive, hopeful manner. So what my youth as in teens are gone. But i have to move forward and live for the future. You have to live for tomorrow and although it will and is hard keep going. None of this matters now; high school is not the best years of your life. What has happened in the "fun stages of life aka supposed childhood" does not have to define you unless you let it. Fun isnt localized to doing what you do as a kid or what someone else is doing and it also doesn't have to stop unless you let it. Do not be jealous nor think you have to fit in to the stereotype because of what is going on around you. You have to learn to accept and live for something in-order to feel better. And remember your not missing out as life isnt all about being young and doing as your friends do. Personally i would rather be older (21) then in high school. Although i had almost have a 4.0 GPA and never studied ever in school i did not like it one bit. Hate it at times. I went to prom x3, went to a couple dances, games, etc, but truth be told life is more than that. If you think its all about having loads of friends, going to parties and getting drunk every weekend, having sex with random girls every weekend is called "living" then you have the wrong view on life. Sure drinking socially might be fun, sex is great, but not the way it is in high school.

I would rather share all that with someone meaningful then just do it for popularity. All that means nothing once you leave high school. To have someone meaningful doesn't en-tale you have to look like gods gift to man either. I think you're obsessing over the little things that you will come to see mean nothing after you become older.

gl

I missed my "youth" long ago, and it will forever haunt me. Dating is particularly difficult. Say what you will, be as positive as you like, but the fact is most women do not want to train you how to do things you should already know how to do in your 20s. The older you become, the harder it gets.

With the negative out of the way, let's talk about the positive: it is never too late. Well, never may be too strong a word, but the point still stands. We live in a world where Demi Moore and George Clooney are over fifty years old. They look better NOW than I have at any point in my near 24 years, regardless of acne.

The old rules of aging and the societal milestones we hit along the way no longer apply. Children are living with their parents into their late 20s and mid 30s because of student loans or perhaps saving up for a home of their own. 45 is the new 30. 30 is the new 20. We're no longer expected to be married by 25 and have children by 28. Heck, my mother had me in her mid 30s.

The point I'm rambling on about is that the idea of when "youth" ends has changed, there is still plenty of time for each and every one of usi for one am very grateful for that fact.

I've been having nice skins for a year or 2 and I can't seem to make friends and that I keep hiding my personility. I'm a senior in college and I'm usually quiet. I never talk.

Now I am taking A&P 1 which we have labs and I have to be in a group and I hate it because I know that I'm gonna be quiet throughout the semester. I won't learn much, but I know what to do. I'm just going to watch videos on Youtube on what we're doing.. that should help. I just gotta tell my teacher what we're doing on Monday for labs.

I really don't care anymore about people.. I don't mean that in a bad way!!! what I mean is that I am going to work on my own or at least try while in groups. I just don't like how people don't try to make you do work. They ignore you and do everything and then they answer the questions without telling me at all because they didn't give me a chance to do something. That's why I loathe labs. Bad skin or clear skin is the same to me.. just that I go out by myself more if i have clear skin. If i have bad skin, I stay home. I should just stay home and stop wasting gas

So yeah people.. you're not missing out a lot... life might be the same.. just that you'll have more confident. If you're not shy and quiet.. then it will be OK.

I personality don't like to talk much in person. It is just me.

I'm just trying to live normal.. not many animals talk at all.. or w.e. lol.

Why humans are loud, etc.?

I missed my "youth" long ago, and it will forever haunt me. Dating is particularly difficult. Say what you will, be as positive as you like, but the fact is most women do not want to train you how to do things you should already know how to do in your 20s. The older you become, the harder it gets.

 

With the negative out of the way, let's talk about the positive: it is never too late. Well, never may be too strong a word, but the point still stands. We live in a world where Demi Moore and George Clooney are over fifty years old. They look better NOW than I have at any point in my near 24 years, regardless of acne.

 

The old rules of aging and the societal milestones we hit along the way no longer apply. Children are living with their parents into their late 20s and mid 30s because of student loans or perhaps saving up for a home of their own. 45 is the new 30. 30 is the new 20. We're no longer expected to be married by 25 and have children by 28. Heck, my mother had me in her mid 30s.

 

The point I'm rambling on about is that the idea of when "youth" ends has changed, there is still plenty of time for each and every one of usi for one am very grateful for that fact.

 

Yes, i got to experience the teenage life from 16-17, basically till i graduated high school, but than my fac got really bad and me anti-social. I fell like im missing out on just living life and making memories!!!!

I've been having nice skins for a year or 2 and I can't seem to make friends and that I keep hiding my personility. I'm a senior in college and I'm usually quiet. I never talk.

Now I am taking A&P 1 which we have labs and I have to be in a group and I hate it because I know that I'm gonna be quiet throughout the semester. I won't learn much, but I know what to do. I'm just going to watch videos on Youtube on what we're doing.. that should help. I just gotta tell my teacher what we're doing on Monday for labs.

I really don't care anymore about people.. I don't mean that in a bad way!!! what I mean is that I am going to work on my own or at least try while in groups. I just don't like how people don't try to make you do work. They ignore you and do everything and then they answer the questions without telling me at all because they didn't give me a chance to do something. That's why I loathe labs. Bad skin or clear skin is the same to me.. just that I go out by myself more if i have clear skin. If i have bad skin, I stay home. I should just stay home and stop wasting gas

So yeah people.. you're not missing out a lot... life might be the same.. just that you'll have more confident. If you're not shy and quiet.. then it will be OK.

I personality don't like to talk much in person. It is just me.

I'm just trying to live normal.. not many animals talk at all.. or w.e. lol.

Why humans are loud, etc.?

I missed my "youth" long ago, and it will forever haunt me. Dating is particularly difficult. Say what you will, be as positive as you like, but the fact is most women do not want to train you how to do things you should already know how to do in your 20s. The older you become, the harder it gets.

With the negative out of the way, let's talk about the positive: it is never too late. Well, never may be too strong a word, but the point still stands. We live in a world where Demi Moore and George Clooney are over fifty years old. They look better NOW than I have at any point in my near 24 years, regardless of acne.

The old rules of aging and the societal milestones we hit along the way no longer apply. Children are living with their parents into their late 20s and mid 30s because of student loans or perhaps saving up for a home of their own. 45 is the new 30. 30 is the new 20. We're no longer expected to be married by 25 and have children by 28. Heck, my mother had me in her mid 30s.

The point I'm rambling on about is that the idea of when "youth" ends has changed, there is still plenty of time for each and every one of usi for one am very grateful for that fact.

 

Well said! If I find the right woman, I plan to get married into 30's and probably have a kid before 35. My major is a long one.. I think I am going to be in school for another 5-6 years. I'm already a senior in college. I graduated in 18 and went to college at 22. I took a nice 4 years of break after I graduated doing nothing, but gaming all day. I did had bad skin. I finally found a job at age 21. It was a hard job.. at a warehouse. I was like.. I am not going to be doing this forever! So I sign up for college and had to quit my job a year later for a part-time job at UPS. It is great so far.. I just wish life goes by faster! At least for me.

I feel like the longer I stay home and avoid human interaction and avoid people, friends, and miss out on events/dates...the more I miss out on life in general and my so-called "best years". But, I feel like I can't face the world looking the way I do and that I can only go out if I have clear skin.

But, the most stressful thing I face is that I'm missing out on years that I will never get back. I feel so much pressure to enjoy my youth that it makes it even harder to relax while I'm home alone because I keep thinking "man, I should be out right now having fun like everyone else my age." Then, I think of my future and see myself as an old lady reminising on my youth and how I spent it indoors alone and never facing the world.

But, the problem is that I can't get past acting normal with acne, having acne on my face makes me incapable of going out even if I want to. It's like I feel like I am a different person with acne, and I don't want to be seen as that person or seen as the 'girl with acne." It's so hard to explain, I know I PHYSICALLY am capable of going out and not canceling on dates but MENTALY I'm disabled and can not leave my house and act normal.

But it hurts to know that I am wasting away my youth the longer I stay home, it hurts actually to think about it and know that I cannot control it. Because, I'm sure that all of you know, it's a total mind-fuck to see yourself when you have your worst breakouts, to make plans with your friends and not act anti-social or nervous/awkward around people and get that embarassing/uncomfortable feeling when someone is looking at you. I'm also jealous of all the old people that actually got to enjoy their youth and didn't have to deal with acne or any skin issues and were perfectly normal looking. And I think all the old people that I see completely happy and smiling all the time, are the ones that had a happy childhood/youth and enjoyed it. And the old ppl that are grumpy are the ones that had something bad happen to them when they were young and they in the end become bitter for the rest of their life. I feel like I'm gonna be the bitter old lady that had her life taken away from her because of acne. ://

Does anyone else feel this way?

 

You don't have to have fun like everyone else. Like what? partying, drinking, acting crazy? These are overrated. To me, having fun is playing sports, gaming, I don't know what else. .. but yeah, you can still have fun. When I used to feel bad, I just played games on the computer and it helped a lot to keep busy. I wanted life to go by quicker until I manage to have a clear skin. Finally, I do have clear skin, but i still break out with small zits.. usually 2-3. Just sometimes. You should try to get into gaming .. keep playing and playing until I don't know =o

and your how old?

Well its hard thats all i can say.

Generally 3 things keep my sanity as ive grown up fast, didnt have a childhood like others, and had this problem for 4 years now.

1) Nursing. My job is rewarding, my job also gets me "invovled" otherwise i tend to keep to my self. I am willing to break my back for a patient but off work im shy. I have no real friends anymore since HS and college is not much different.

2) Future I: I want my nursing degree (RN) and i cannot not have it. I use it as my goal, my main goal. i do not put my skin first. I cannot.

3)Future II: I want to be able to have and provide a better life in the future for future kids. Although a long shot now i know i have to have the career. I want to be able to provide, do, be what i never hard. I want to keep living so i can meet that person that makes my spine tingle when im around them.

Such are the reasons i keep going in a positive, hopeful manner. So what my youth as in teens are gone. But i have to move forward and live for the future. You have to live for tomorrow and although it will and is hard keep going. None of this matters now; high school is not the best years of your life. What has happened in the "fun stages of life aka supposed childhood" does not have to define you unless you let it. Fun isnt localized to doing what you do as a kid or what someone else is doing and it also doesn't have to stop unless you let it. Do not be jealous nor think you have to fit in to the stereotype because of what is going on around you. You have to learn to accept and live for something in-order to feel better. And remember your not missing out as life isnt all about being young and doing as your friends do. Personally i would rather be older (21) then in high school. Although i had almost have a 4.0 GPA and never studied ever in school i did not like it one bit. Hate it at times. I went to prom x3, went to a couple dances, games, etc, but truth be told life is more than that. If you think its all about having loads of friends, going to parties and getting drunk every weekend, having sex with random girls every weekend is called "living" then you have the wrong view on life. Sure drinking socially might be fun, sex is great, but not the way it is in high school.

I would rather share all that with someone meaningful then just do it for popularity. All that means nothing once you leave high school. To have someone meaningful doesn't en-tale you have to look like gods gift to man either. I think you're obsessing over the little things that you will come to see mean nothing after you become older.

gl

and your how old?

Well its hard thats all i can say.

Generally 3 things keep my sanity as ive grown up fast, didnt have a childhood like others, and had this problem for 4 years now.

1) Nursing. My job is rewarding, my job also gets me "invovled" otherwise i tend to keep to my self. I am willing to break my back for a patient but off work im shy. I have no real friends anymore since HS and college is not much different.

2) Future I: I want my nursing degree (RN) and i cannot not have it. I use it as my goal, my main goal. i do not put my skin first. I cannot.

3)Future II: I want to be able to have and provide a better life in the future for future kids. Although a long shot now i know i have to have the career. I want to be able to provide, do, be what i never hard. I want to keep living so i can meet that person that makes my spine tingle when im around them.

Such are the reasons i keep going in a positive, hopeful manner. So what my youth as in teens are gone. But i have to move forward and live for the future. You have to live for tomorrow and although it will and is hard keep going. None of this matters now; high school is not the best years of your life. What has happened in the "fun stages of life aka supposed childhood" does not have to define you unless you let it. Fun isnt localized to doing what you do as a kid or what someone else is doing and it also doesn't have to stop unless you let it. Do not be jealous nor think you have to fit in to the stereotype because of what is going on around you. You have to learn to accept and live for something in-order to feel better. And remember your not missing out as life isnt all about being young and doing as your friends do. Personally i would rather be older (21) then in high school. Although i had almost have a 4.0 GPA and never studied ever in school i did not like it one bit. Hate it at times. I went to prom x3, went to a couple dances, games, etc, but truth be told life is more than that. If you think its all about having loads of friends, going to parties and getting drunk every weekend, having sex with random girls every weekend is called "living" then you have the wrong view on life. Sure drinking socially might be fun, sex is great, but not the way it is in high school.

I would rather share all that with someone meaningful then just do it for popularity. All that means nothing once you leave high school. To have someone meaningful doesn't en-tale you have to look like gods gift to man either. I think you're obsessing over the little things that you will come to see mean nothing after you become older.

gl

 

Hey, you work as a CNA? Seems like it! That's awesome!! I started applying for a CNA job. I graduated a while ago. I haven't worked as a CNA yet. Hopefully I won't be shy as a CNA I know I will for a while, but then I won't.. 'cause I know I do have to talk a lot as it will be my job.

 

 

YUP!

I've worked as a CNA since 15 and lemme tell you i was shy, just completely like... aww what do i say to a bunch of strangers. I would say it took about a year to actually get used to it, to feel comfortable. I was really shy as well around my co-workers because i was not only the only guy, i was also like the only one under 20. It was also hard to do get people to trust me for being so young and the fact that i was a guy. This is still hard when it comes to females. But after they get to know me they love me. I dont normally brag but when my patients would say that im the best nurse in front of my boss well... i feel inclined to brag alittle.

Now though i do not work directly as a CNA. I have since moved from my home town and work at a place that is considered more basic. My job is more based towards passing medications than actual CNA work.

But tonight, a lady told me i give eye drops better than anyone else. I also crush her pills and mix them perfectly better than any of the girls. LOL im still the only guy in this place and also the youngest but damn thats good to hear. And thats why i love nursing.

However i still miss being and doing CNA work. Its hard work, grunt work but i do miss it. I guess i might not be the best, nor know what to say or how to say it but i just be myself, be calm, up front, truthful, and try to be confident and do my job. It works and thats all i can suggest. You'll do fine and good luck!

Your acne will not last forever, trust me. In life, if your acne ends up being the biggest, worst problem you ever have to deal with...then consider yourself lucky. Life is going to throw you so many curveballs but it's up to us and how strong we are so we can deal with them. Sometimes I feel similar to you; as of late, I'm more self conscious about my skin and I feel jealous of my friends who don't have to worry about it like I do. I feel like I spend far too much time putting on makeup to try and hide my blemishes. But, in the end, I know this problem will not last forever--realistically, it will not even last a year. So, I just say to myself that I need to deal with this problem now in whatever way I can, but not let it prevent me from living my life. I know my skin's going to get better (and it already is--just got some red marks to deal with) but in the meantime, I would regret it later on if I did not enjoy life while dealing with this problem.

Someone always has it worse than you, remember that. I try to think of the people that have to live everyday with deformities, chronic illnesses, etc. that have changed the course of their lives as a whole. For those people, do you think they think they're missing out on their youth? Do you think they wish their problem could be as temporary as acne? For them, they have to live with their problems for their entire life. Acne is temporary. Your skin will inevitably get better, just be patient. In the longrun, dealing with some bad acne for a few months - year is not "missing out" on your youth. You have plenty of time.

I don't like the advice of "someone has it worse than you"; someone certainly might, but it doesn't invalidate how you may feel. I have multiple chronic illnesses that I will have the rest of my life (among other woes!), and you know what? Acne still sucks, and I feel for anyone who has it - especially if it's tearing their self-esteem apart. The physical impacts of acne are, say, not as serious as my Lupus or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, but emotionally, I think it can be just as crippling for people. For me personally, my acne has affected my self-esteem much more negatively than my disability has. I don't feel any shame about the physical issues face - even the more potentially embarrassing ones - but my acne really embarrasses me! I know, it seems utterly ridiculous. But I'm human, and I feel the pressure society pushes on us to look perfect, just like anyone else. The fact is, acne has a minor physical effect, but can certainly have a major emotional impact; it's the latter that makes acne a serious issue. I can still empathize with people who have medical issues less than mine, even if it's as minor as acne.

OP, I completely understand how you feel! Please hang in there. I feel the exact same way - like I can't face the world unless my skin is clear, unless I look like everyone else. We just have to realize that we a) aren't alone, and b) people aren't nearly as judgmental as we imagine them in our minds. People don't scan us examining our pores and every flaw like we do! I had someone call me beautiful the other day, despite the fact I had a giant (read: gargantuan) cyst right in the middle of my forehead! (And trust me, I really didn't want to leave the house that day.) Don't let your acne stop you!

Your acne will not last forever, trust me. In life, if your acne ends up being the biggest, worst problem you ever have to deal with...then consider yourself lucky. Life is going to throw you so many curveballs but it's up to us and how strong we are so we can deal with them. Sometimes I feel similar to you; as of late, I'm more self conscious about my skin and I feel jealous of my friends who don't have to worry about it like I do. I feel like I spend far too much time putting on makeup to try and hide my blemishes. But, in the end, I know this problem will not last forever--realistically, it will not even last a year. So, I just say to myself that I need to deal with this problem now in whatever way I can, but not let it prevent me from living my life. I know my skin's going to get better (and it already is--just got some red marks to deal with) but in the meantime, I would regret it later on if I did not enjoy life while dealing with this problem.

Someone always has it worse than you, remember that. I try to think of the people that have to live everyday with deformities, chronic illnesses, etc. that have changed the course of their lives as a whole. For those people, do you think they think they're missing out on their youth? Do you think they wish their problem could be as temporary as acne? For them, they have to live with their problems for their entire life. Acne is temporary. Your skin will inevitably get better, just be patient. In the longrun, dealing with some bad acne for a few months - year is not "missing out" on your youth. You have plenty of time.

 

First, I'm glad to read you are improving! But you say "realistically, it will not last a year"-- maybe in your case, but that's my biggest fear. I've read people's stories on here -- how they've been dealing with this for a decade and, in some cases, even longer. Sure, those may be the rare cases, but it's still scary to think about nonetheless. No, acne isn't permanent, but there is no guarantee that it will go away soon either, and that's my biggest concern. If someone told me right now that they would give me a horrific breakout right now (that leaves no additional scars or PIH, of course ) in exchange for a guarantee of being ( and staying) clear in like 3 months, I'd take it. Sure, I'd look awful for a very short amount of time, but at I know I'd be clear for good very soon. That's just what worries me the most...the waiting game and not knowing when the next breakout is around the corner, or not knowing if a period of being relatively clear means I'm close to being done for good with active acne.

Also going to have to agree with the post above me. In the grand scheme of things, acne is one of the least problematic health issues you can have. My heart goes out to people who are, say, permanently disabled. I cannot imagine what they go through, and just thinking about it makes me sad for them. I'm sure they wish all they had to deal with was some bumps on their face. BUT, that said, that doesn't mean we should diminish the emotional aspects of acne and that we shouldn't empathize with acne suffers. This is a rather extreme example, but someone who has treatable cancer and is expected to survive but still has to go through the stress of chemo may not have it as bad as someone who lives in an impoverished nation, has a terminal illness, and goes to bed and wakes up hungry. Surely that doesn't mean we shouldn't show great deals of sympathy/conpassion/care/etc. for the cancer sufferer.

TLDR for the 2nd paragraph: No matter what you go through, you can *usually* find someone who has it worse off. But we should still show compassion and sympathy to those going through hardships, no matter how small.

somebody always always has it worse than you.. someone else is wish to live just a minute longer but they dont get to. Someone else watches their loved ones gather around them as they sit in a hospital bed waiting to die. Someone is always dieing every day, some in the worst pain imaginable. Someone is told heart breaking news that they will die or have lost loved ones or lost part of themselves and now must adapt or die.

Someone always has it worse than you. I dont care if you dont like it, it is true. Your point that it doesn't make you feel any better is true as i believe you, as i know. But to be alive, to live, to live... is better than to not.

I wholeheartedly agree that acne is an awful, awful condition and we should not lessen its severity. I know it can have crippling effets on people's self esteem (I'm struggling with that right now). However, I do think its also important to think of other people with more serious problems and count your blessings. Whenever I get really down about life or my acne, I try to think of these more serious problems to put myself into perspective: that it could be so, so much worse. Acne can be very persistent but in the end, I think we'll all find that we'll be happy with our skin, someday. I know the wait is frustrating but you just have to have hope and keep trucking along. For people with lifelong problems, they'll always have to deal with that.

i feel like i am missing out and have missed out on my best years. i dont have acne but i am fearful of people and its pathetic. im 30 years old and i was sheltered and homeschooled till i was 15. when i went to christian school i was the class nerd so i didnt interact well and i always felt nervous that at any moment someone would make fun of me. i graduated and went to college and dropped out because i didnt know how to interact with people. i felt sick being out in public. when i dropped out i ended up in depressing factories with a bunch of mean people who treat you like crap. i decided i wasnt going to let life pass me by so what i did was i started politely asking tons of women out and 12 years went by and i was friendless and the girls all rejected me. i had no self esteem because nobody would act like i was a normal human being. so i basically hid in the house and have become an introvert and very depressed. i see movies of girls at bars and guys socializing and i want that. i want to be young and i want to make a girl my life. i want to have a girl actually want me and stuff. i dont know what to do i worry so much i get headaches and then i start thinking about ending my life and i feel like i have to because otherwise im gonna be like the past 12 years just a living breathing machine with no joy and no love. i wish i could have tons of girl friends and just have nice philosophical conversations while getting drunk but im to nervous to go out in public. the guys act pissed and like they want to fight and the girls roll their eyes and start laughing. i dont understand it. i try to look at the ground so i dont get laughed at or beat up. i just wish society wasnt so hard to hang in. i wish i fit in. i wish i wasnt nervous and shy all the time. i wish 19-30 i could have lived like a young man. now i feel like what do i have left . everyone views my age as old so how do i hang out with the 20 year olds now? man i wish my life was different

yea, sigh.

Your acne will not last forever, trust me. In life, if your acne ends up being the biggest, worst problem you ever have to deal with...then consider yourself lucky. Life is going to throw you so many curveballs but it's up to us and how strong we are so we can deal with them. Sometimes I feel similar to you; as of late, I'm more self conscious about my skin and I feel jealous of my friends who don't have to worry about it like I do. I feel like I spend far too much time putting on makeup to try and hide my blemishes. But, in the end, I know this problem will not last forever--realistically, it will not even last a year. So, I just say to myself that I need to deal with this problem now in whatever way I can, but not let it prevent me from living my life. I know my skin's going to get better (and it already is--just got some red marks to deal with) but in the meantime, I would regret it later on if I did not enjoy life while dealing with this problem.

Someone always has it worse than you, remember that. I try to think of the people that have to live everyday with deformities, chronic illnesses, etc. that have changed the course of their lives as a whole. For those people, do you think they think they're missing out on their youth? Do you think they wish their problem could be as temporary as acne? For them, they have to live with their problems for their entire life. Acne is temporary. Your skin will inevitably get better, just be patient. In the longrun, dealing with some bad acne for a few months - year is not "missing out" on your youth. You have plenty of time.

Actually acne *can* last for the remainder of a persons life, especially the aggressive strains.

Yeah, I have missed *everything* due to severe bullying. I was not allowed to interact with people of my age so society forced me to be alone. It was very hard for me to meet new people and on top of that I didn't know that I had a serious problem. I thought it was normal. I broke down two years ago mentally and I am so lucky that I have good analytic skills that have provided me with an answer: stop everything you're doing right now and look for a group of people who accept you 100%.

Fortunately for me I have found a group of people who accept me last year. They have put me in certain positions (like being the "leader") that are otherwise not accessible for people who are a member for such a short period of time as I am. Now it's like I am experiencing the last 10+ years of my life in 6 months and I am quite happy to be honest.

Another real problem is sex and relationships. You've already guessed correctly that I am a virgin. The virgin thing is not an issue and it never troubled me in the past. (I didn't know anyone back then so meeting new people had a higher priority than sex.) Being a virgin at my age *is* an issue right now and I have read stuff on the internet that worries me greatly. It's like that in this area I will still end up being an outcast as my virginity is huge no-no at my age. I have already found a solution for that. I'll try to see what I can achieve with like three girls and if nothing works out, then I'm going to see a prostitute. It is absolutely 100% ridiculous in my mind that I can't have/experience the "same things" that everyone else has. (Please do not post anything about the prostitute thing. Do not put time and effort about convincing me it is a bad idea. I will not deviate from my plans.)