By Connie Davies, Student Counsellor on placement at The Eaves
I am currently a student counsellor doing my placement at The Eaves. This is a blog about acne and the distress it can cause people. I have been an acne sufferer since around the age of 16 and my teenage years were hugely impacted by it.
The effect it had on my mental health and well-being was huge – I felt self-conscious, embarrassed, had massively low self-esteem, it got me down every day and I was in quite a lot of pain most of the time. There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning, and there were days I didn’t want to be seen.
I don’t think acne is spoken about enough in relation to mental health and the detrimental effect it can have on someone. My hope is that this blog will raise awareness for those who suffer from it, and other skin conditions, and what impact it can have on mental health.
Research carried out found that 59% of 16 to 25-year-olds were missing exams, school classes and social gatherings on a daily basis due to “bad skin”.
The British Journal of Dermatology found that there was a 63% increased risk of depression in a person with acne compared to someone without. Other previous research has even linked severe acne to suicidal behaviour. These statistics show the devastation acne and other skin conditions can cause.
I am lucky to have received treatment for my acne. However, some people don’t have access to the treatment needed. By raising awareness, being more empathetic, and simply by being kinder, those who are suffering would feel the benefits.
If you would like to read more about this topic, I have added additional sources below …
Mental health support for acne sufferers
At The Eaves, we have counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists who can offer support for low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and many other issues that may be affecting your mental health. We also offer low-cost counselling sessions with our trainee therapists in the last stages of their qualifications. To find out more or to book a session, please get in touch by calling 01483 917000 or send us an enquiry via our website.
Acne and its effects on adult sufferers | British Skin Foundation