Introduction

[MichalIn]

Hello everyone,

My name is Michal and I have been diagnosed with Psoriasis about 6-7 years ago. It was really hard time for me as my body was damaged, at least that way I took it, and I was very insecure person including finding partner or have intimate relationship. It was very bad from beginning but somehow got a bit better in time. I still have Psoriasis but less than before and can show my body at least. I learned how to live with it but I still am insecure in some way. I am not visiting hairdresser that often as I would wish because it is on my scalp and once I am there I am very horrified what they think about me. That is one of the examples. But I have very supportive partner who is reminding me how beautiful still am I even tho it is hard for me to believe 😂. I found hairdresser who gave me words of comfort and that made me feel much better about myself. Even tho I still have insecurity about my psoriasis and how I look and what I am wearing.

Well, I thought I will write something about myself here. I am 32 years old and nice to meet you everyone.

I am really happy to be able to find community I can speak about it and maybe talk to someone and get some advise or help or words of comfort as well.

[pianopoet]

Hi Michalln,

Welcome! It’s really nice to have you and hear your story. I have a facial disfigurement from liposuction… from a rogue surgeon, he decided to try to make me look like Angelina Jolie when all I wanted was my double chin off. I hear what you say about it being difficult to show your body. I have a lot of uncomfortable moments showing my face… even though it actually is passable and just looks skinny and a little dented. To me though, it makes me feel very sad at times and not “normal”. I also struggle with guilt for choosing to do plastic surgery; that’s a whole other burden! This community has been wonderful to realize there are so many people who have differences and while there are hard moments I can say life is a gift and a blessing. Challenging myself to take risks socially and try to put the loss behind me, wrap it up in a little box, so to speak and only take it out when I decide… this is what I’m working on and it’s helpful to manage my emotions.

You are among friends and I wish for you much hope, happiness and joy even though the struggle of having this challenge. Having a supportive partner is amazing. I have this too.

[EvaChangingFaces Partner]

Hi MichalIn ,

Welcome to the Changing Faces community! Thank you for your post and for sharing your experiences here. It sounds like you've been through a lot however, you really have taken a really brave step to express openly how you feel about your visible difference in this community. I hope you start to build some support and connection with the members on here. If you would like more support coping with this, you could also get in touch with the Support and Information Line here at Changing Faces by calling 0300 012 0275 emailing us at [e-mail]. We offer counselling support specifically around coping with visible difference, so that may be something you’d like to explore as an option.

I wonder if you have any strategies you use to deal with other people's reactions? Perhaps if you have the time or energy, you could share them here with other people.

Take care,

Eva - Changing Faces