Dealing with my diagnosis

Were you surprised when you were diagnosed with psoriasis? Many people are, especially when the psoriasis is mild or moderate. Some people have reported that they also felt confused, scared, angry, or some complex mix of these and other emotions. Plus, while your mind was dealing with this new news, you were probably expected to retain important information from your health-care team about your new condition. Certainly this new challenge in your life can make you feel even more overwhelmed. There is much to learn. It can be a lot to process all at once.

Accepting psoriasis is key—but it can take time

Coming to terms with a diagnosis of a chronic condition is not easy, but it is critical. It may take some time to really digest the significance of your condition and the many avenues you have for support and treatment. It will also take time to develop a treatment plan that works for you, so don’t expect it to happen overnight. A combination of patience, determination, and a willingness to learn will help you face this challenge.

Whatever you do, try to resist the urge to ignore the facts. Your ability to really effectively manage your psoriasis may depend on this—but it doesn’t end there. Experience has taught us that having a positive attitude and getting involved in your treatment are also important in helping you move toward gaining control of your skin problems and getting on with your life.

Key facts about psoriasis

Here are a few things to consider if you are still coming to grips with your diagnosis:

1. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that comes and goes during your lifetime.

2. Psoriasis rarely disappears on its own.

3. With proper treatment, symptoms can be more manageable.

4. Your actions are key to helping manage your psoriasis.  

The rest of this section will give you some tips on coping with the sometimes intense emotions that can accompany a psoriasis diagnosis.