Breakouts can be more than just skin deep.
It may not spread rumors about you or leave mean comments on your Instagram, but make no mistake — chronic zits are a huge bully on your self-esteem. Extreme cases have been linked to anxiety — even suicide. And these serious side effects may be more common than you think: A major study published in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology says waking up to severe breakouts daily may make you two to three times more likely to develop depression. The study says: “Girls and boys with acne had significantly more depressive symptoms, lower self-attitude, more feelings of uselessness, fewer feelings of pride, lower self-worth, and lower body satisfaction than those without acne.”
Worse, another report from the British Skin Foundation found that one in five people struggling with acne has considered suicide. Reason number one? It makes you feel alone. “Skin disorders tend to isolate,you’re skipping hangouts with the girls or dodging eye contact and conversations. “When you already feel hopeless and embarrassed, that can only intensify those feelings.
But don’t give up hope. Nothing is permanent — no matter how much you think it is. Ask a derm about your options. And when the anxiety starts to feel like too much, talk to a therapist. Know that you are not alone. And remember: Acne is treatable.
If acne is messing with your self-esteem, don’t wait to seek help. Talk with a pro, like a school psychologist or your doctor. It’s their job to be judgement-free and make you feel comfortable telling them anything you want. You can lessen the severity of your depression symptoms if they are addressed early on.
