Psoriatic Arthritis and My Mental State of Mind

"You have a personal choice in your life. It’s your fault when you don’t set goals for your health. It’s your choice." These are just a few statements I have heard on my chronic illness journey.

I didn’t want to sit back and be disillusioned as if I had no control, but upon reflection, I'm not so sure I did.

Chronic illness and depression

I notice that a lot of us with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have become oppressed and depressed because of our lack of hope with both of these diseases. I have had conversations with those who say they are stuck. They have effortlessly tried to better their health, but can’t seem to do what is necessary.

No control over their behavior, lifestyle, or determination. They began to walk in an “I don’t care” mentality. Truly unexpected things can appear that affect our life when you’re dealing with any sickness.

Some of our brains don’t work the same or something has caused trauma in our life. I remember a doctor telling me that I was smiling on the outside but crying on the inside. I was that person who existed in this world without happy feelings. We know now, it’s called depression.

Learning to cope

I’ve learned to cope with the unexpected. My mother passed when I was 19 years old from the complications of diabetes. Was I affected by the stress of it all? Yes, it took an emotional toll on my immune system. My psoriasis was already covering 70% of my body. It totally devoured me at that time.

No one paid attention to my mental state. They all said I was the strong one. I would watch people laughing and having fun, but I could never get to that stage. I felt very different inside and out.

The symptoms of depression

I felt like I was in a cage. I could see everything happening around me, but I could feel nothing. I just couldn’t get right on the inside. Over the past 40 years, I’ve tried to exercise patience, quietness, and prayer. This allows my body to be in balance. Balance is so important when you have psoriasis or anything else going on in your life.

How can we be in control of our future with our psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis if we don’t apply a basic foundation? It’s not easy. I was 26 and would find myself getting angry if someone said happiness is a choice. People don’t realize that saying that puts in a message that you are ashamed of me. On the inside, I always thought what is wrong with me?

Accepting help

I did go see a doctor who put me on medications years ago. Of course, people had something to say about that. They thought I was weak. But my doctor explained it to me perfectly; the medications help you break down that wall.

You will feel happy on the inside and on the outside. It was so weird, but I could actually hear the birds singing and I felt joy. I didn’t stay on the drugs long, but long enough to connect to the outside world. That was 30 years ago.

Looking to the future

I have grandchildren that I want to see graduate. I have things I desire to do as an advocate for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I need to be in the right mindset to make a difference in this world.

I will do what is necessary. There is nothing wrong with you if you are not happy. Trust me, people don’t have a clue what you are going through. My hope is in creating a future today that promises the world a greater tomorrow. We can’t choose to be happy every single day of our life, but we can choose to be together and help one another.

Depression is real. Please remember you don’t have to travel this road alone.

This article was originally published on our sister site PlaquePsoriasis.com.