Emotional difficulties from skin and hair conditions

You may be suffering from skin or hair concerns and be experiencing a significant amount of emotional difficulties because of them. Needing some extra support is not uncommon as our physical health and our emotional well-being are so closely linked.

Emotions such as anxiety, fear, stress, lack of self-confidence and sadness can be very debilitating. There are different, recognised methods that may help you overcome these.

You may benefit from support about:

• The emotional impact of your physical conditions – experiencing a skin or hair condition can affect our emotional well-being.
• The impact of your emotions on your physical health – how we feel can affect our physical health.
• The impact of emotions on attending medical appointments – you may need support in attending appointments and scans.

Types of support

Support during follow-up consultations

Meeting your consultant regularly can be a tremendous support to some people. More information on follow-up consultations can be found here.

Self-help with Skin Support and Changing Faces

The British Association of Dermatologists has produced a website called Skin Support (www.skinsupport.org.uk) which provides information on skin conditions, self-help services and support services. A questionnaire can be completed online, which will automatically generate tailored information and support materials that are specific both to your skin condition and to your emotional needs. Changing Faces (www.changingfaces.org.uk) also offers excellent support for those with a scar, mark or condition on their face or body that makes them look different.

Support from self-help groups

Several support groups dedicated to skin conditions have been set up. A list can be found here. There may also be other support groups on Reddit and Facebook. Sharing problems with other sufferers can be very helpful to some people.

Meeting a Psychologist

A Clinical Psychologist is an expert in helping those with emotional difficulties. A psychologist can help you understand the impact of your physical symptoms on your emotional health, as well as how your thoughts and feelings may be affecting you physically. A psychologist can help advise if you will benefit from psychological treatments as well. We can usually offer names of local private Clinical Psychologists, and you may also like to contact the British Psychological Details for registered professionals (www.bps.org.uk).

NHS Psychological therapies

In England, you can access NHS psychological therapies (IAPT) services. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly without a referral. IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) services can be accessed via this page.

Crisis support

You may feel that you need to speak to someone for support straight away. Some options include :

• The NHS 111 line
• Mind – 0300 123 3393
• Samaritans – 08457 909 090