Does Eczema Help Anxiety?

Eczema helps me understand my anxiety better. The article title may be misleading at first glance, but by the end, you'll see where I am coming from. Eczema certainly does not aid in decreasing anxiety at face value. Let’s face it, eczema makes us itch and become irritable. It is a high-stress disease that causes anxiety.

Because studies and surveys highlight that anxiety and depression are more prevalent in eczema patients, it is hard to think that eczema in any way could help anxiety. So, what can I possibly be talking about? Well, let me paint a picture.

The importance of understanding

The keyword for this article is understanding. As I learn more about eczema and why I get flares and recognize that most of my mild to moderate eczema is stress-related, the more I am aware of how anxious I am before, during, and after flares. Therefore, being intuitively aware of my eczema flares and why they’re happening helps me manage my stress and mental health awareness.

Connecting eczema to mental health

As I grow in my eczema knowledge, I grow in my knowledge of mental health. Skin health and mental health are not mutually exclusive, and they work hand-in-hand. Even if my eczema flared from the environment, diet, or elements outside of my control, during the process of dealing with the flare, I am gaining a greater ability to control my anxious thoughts by accepting the present for what it is and not thinking much further ahead.

Finding control and acceptance

Focusing on the present and accepting the situation at hand as you handle what is necessary for each day has been my greatest eczema lesson. It has also changed my thinking and heightened anxiety for the future, which oftentimes will be out of my control.  Having eczema causes you to learn true calmness as often as possible, even when your body is inflamed.

That level of mind control and peace necessary to tap into no matter what is happening to you will forever be a priceless skill set of survival. This level of “control” doesn't mean lacking emotion or experiencing pain; it simply causes you to work harder to focus on the positives and what truly matters at the moment. As much as you can focus on the present moment rather than allow uncontrolled thoughts to fester for the future, the better you can fight against your anxiety.

I have learned awareness

Everyone experiences a certain level of anxiety; this may not relate to the level of anxiety you may be experiencing. There is extreme mental anxiety that no amount of working out, a good diet, or positive affirmations can help, and it is important to get professional help. Still, for the purpose of the connection to eczema, I see how it has made me more aware of my mental capabilities and needs. Good health is just good health. Our bodies are all connected, so one good thing that we do to improve our ailments naturally can certainly help another area of the body. As we strengthen our bodies and physical ailments, our minds or mental health can also improve.  Tell me how your eczema lessons may have helped shape or calm your mental outlook of this life?