If acne is seriously affecting your mood, self-esteem or relationships it is important that you tell someone how you feel.
We can all relate to the untimely eruption of what we think is the “biggest spot known to man”, usually when we have a date, presentation, or job interview. However when acne is something you’re dealing with on a daily basis, it can understandably lead to feeling bad about yourself, worrying about what other people will think and avoiding going out.
If you suffer with acne, you probably feel that you’re the only one. However acne is a very common skin condition with 95% of girls and 83% of boys affected by it at some stage during adolescence, with 20% seeking medical treatment.
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The condition of the skin reflects our general health and can indicate lack of sleep, diet, allergies, and stress. You may have heard people say acne is caused by poor hygiene or poor diet. This is not true and is unhelpful as it can make you feel more self-conscious and embarrassed about it. Having acne is not your fault. It does not define you as a person.
As acne is not a life threatening condition, health professionals tend to see it as a cosmetic problem and so the psychological impact of the condition may not be fully appreciated. However research has suggested the psychological effects of acne are often the most distressing aspects of the condition for those affected by it.
Common psychological effects of severe acne include:
- A negative self image (e.g. “ I’m not attractive because I have acne)
- Lack of self-confidence
- Fear that other people will judge you negatively
- Fear of being bullied
- Fear of speaking in class and drawing attention to yourself
- Avoiding going out because you feel self-conscious or are afraid of being bullied.
- Anxiety, low mood, depression, suicidal thoughts.
Wanting to fit in with peers and be seen as “normal” is central to teenagers’ wellbeing. Having acne can be challenging to your self-image and fitting in with peers, particularly since teenagers often use physical appearance as a means of evaluating whether someone fits into their peer group. Dealing with acne on top of physical changes, demands of school, exams, and relationships can be very stressful.
If acne is seriously affecting your mood, self-esteem or relationships it is important that you tell someone how you feel. You may also find it helpful to talk to a psychologist or counsellor. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a recommended approach for people affected by appearance related issues such as acne. It is a collaborative approach, which means the psychologist works with you in exploring how acne has affected your mood, thoughts, and behaviour. CBT can also help you to cope with any difficult emotions, build your self-confidence, and deal with appearance related bullying. Your GP can advise how to access psychology/counselling services.
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