Health Boards
Wed-16-11-2011, 19:23 PM
Relating to someone with psoriasis
The more you know, the better you can both feel
When someone you know has psoriasis—especially if it's a close friend, coworker, spouse, or partner—the way you act can have an impact on how he or she feels. On the other hand, if you have psoriasis, understanding and acknowledging your feelings can help you relate to others. Sometimes, people believe that the easiest way to cope with something difficult is to ignore it, or act like it's not a big deal. But often, that may not be the best way to cope. There are other options.
Be a supportive partner
When you're with someone you care about, consider the following suggestions:
•Stay active yourself and help your partner or friend do the same.
•Try not to guess what your friend or loved one is thinking—always ask.
•Join or develop a support group to hear other people's stories about being close to someone with psoriasis.
•Listen to the person you care about, but don't push him or her to talk about it.
•Don't pass judgment about what lifestyle and medications are best for another person.
•Let the person you care about work out his or her feelings and decide how to live with psoriasis.
Tips for people with psoriasis
As you learn to live with your disease, you may find yourself feeling angry, embarrassed, or frustrated. Understanding and acknowledging these feelings can help you cope with your psoriasis and relate to others.
Here are a few tips to help you stay close to the people who are close to you.
•Try not to guess what your friend or loved one is thinking—always ask.
•Don't go it alone. Build a tight support system of people you can count on.
•Try to acknowledge the help you receive from others, and let them know you are grateful.
•Take advantage of psoriasis message boards
•Find a support group online and in your area.
The more you know, the better you can both feel
When someone you know has psoriasis—especially if it's a close friend, coworker, spouse, or partner—the way you act can have an impact on how he or she feels. On the other hand, if you have psoriasis, understanding and acknowledging your feelings can help you relate to others. Sometimes, people believe that the easiest way to cope with something difficult is to ignore it, or act like it's not a big deal. But often, that may not be the best way to cope. There are other options.
Be a supportive partner
When you're with someone you care about, consider the following suggestions:
•Stay active yourself and help your partner or friend do the same.
•Try not to guess what your friend or loved one is thinking—always ask.
•Join or develop a support group to hear other people's stories about being close to someone with psoriasis.
•Listen to the person you care about, but don't push him or her to talk about it.
•Don't pass judgment about what lifestyle and medications are best for another person.
•Let the person you care about work out his or her feelings and decide how to live with psoriasis.
Tips for people with psoriasis
As you learn to live with your disease, you may find yourself feeling angry, embarrassed, or frustrated. Understanding and acknowledging these feelings can help you cope with your psoriasis and relate to others.
Here are a few tips to help you stay close to the people who are close to you.
•Try not to guess what your friend or loved one is thinking—always ask.
•Don't go it alone. Build a tight support system of people you can count on.
•Try to acknowledge the help you receive from others, and let them know you are grateful.
•Take advantage of psoriasis message boards
•Find a support group online and in your area.