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Chances are, you’ve had acne at some point in your life. Every year, approximately 50 million Americans develop some type of acne, whether it’s pimples, blackheads or another type of blemish. Although acne can affect anyone, it most commonly occurs during adolescence. And for many young adults, it’s more than just a cosmetic issue.
Over time, acne may negatively affect self-confidence, socialization and emotional well-being. Ultimately, its ramifications are often more than just skin-deep. Keep reading to learn more about the mental health impact of acne and coping mechanisms tailored around improving mental wellness.
The Psychological Effects of Acne
For some people, acne is a minor problem that can be solved with time and an organized skin-care routine. For others, acne is a major cause of distress. Here are some of the leading psychological effects of skin conditions such as acne:
- Low self-esteem. Acne is linked to lower levels of self-confidence and higher levels of shame and embarrassment. People with acne are more likely to feel self-conscious in social settings, which may lead to decreased participation in activities.
- Negative body image. In addition to low self-esteem, acne can cause a person to have a distorted perception of their own body. For example, people with acne may become hyper-focused on their perceived flaws and overly critical of their own appearance.
- Anxiety and depression. Studies show that mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are more prevalent among individuals with acne. Common symptoms include persistent worrying, increased sadness, avoidant behaviors and feelings of hopelessness.
Often, acne exacerbates the self-esteem issues that are already common among adolescents. When left unaddressed, low confidence can grow into more serious mental health conditions and take a toll on social relationships.
The Emotional and Social Effects of Acne
Nobody should feel ashamed or embarrassed about their appearance. Unfortunately, the psychological impact of acne can erase self-confidence, replacing it with negative emotions such as shame, embarrassment and fear. These emotions impact your self-perception and socialization. The poor body image and low confidence levels associated with acne may lead to the following issues:
- Constant worry. Many people with acne are worried their skin condition will never clear or they’ll experience permanent scarring. Persistent worrying may make it difficult to focus on social interactions or build new relationships.
- Fear of judgment. People with acne may avoid spending time with friends, attending social events or meeting new people because they’re worried about being judged for their appearance.
- Fear of rejection. In addition to a fear of judgment, some people experience a fear of rejection. For example, someone with acne may assume their peers won’t want to spend time with them due to their physical appearance.
- Poor social skills. In addition to interfering with relationships, acne can affect your performance in general social situations, such as job interviews, presentations and day-to-day conversations. People with acne may feel too anxious to communicate properly, resulting in poor performance.
In many cases, the social concerns caused by acne-related emotional distress are blown out of proportion. The result is a self-fulfilling prophecy — people worry they’ll be isolated by their peers due to acne, so they choose to isolate themselves. Over time, this social isolation may cause or worsen depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
Managing the Mental Health Impact of Acne
While acne generally clears up after some time, the mental effects have long-lasting consequences. For example, some people may struggle to regain self-confidence, while others might have trouble restoring their disrupted social relationships. If you’re dealing with acne anxiety, the following techniques may provide relief.
- Skin-care treatments. Managing your acne can ease self-esteem issues. If you can’t find an effective over-the-counter skin-care treatment, consider consulting a dermatologist. Certain skin conditions can be helped through prescription-based treatments.
- Stress management practices. In addition to treating your skin, treat your mind by practicing stress management techniques. Common examples include breathing exercises, meditation and yoga.
- Implement healthy lifestyle habits. Healthy lifestyle habits promote skin health, reduce stress and improve mood. Try to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
- Embrace self-care and positivity. One of the best ways to counteract the negative emotions associated with acne is by embracing self-care and positive thinking. Engage in hobbies that bring you joy, find ways to relax and remind yourself of your positive traits.
- Stay socially engaged. Isolation is known to worsen negative emotions and depression. Thus, you should try to maintain your relationships and spend time with friends and family. Be mindful of negative thought patterns that can lead to avoidance and loneliness.
- Build a supportive network. Remind yourself that acne is an extremely common problem. If possible, try to connect with people who have the same concerns. You can talk about your experiences, validate each other and share tips on coping with acne anxiety.
If your fears become overwhelming, consider seeking professional support. Therapy and counseling can help with many of the mental side effects of acne, such as body image issues, social anxiety and depression.
The Importance of Mental Wellness
Most of us notice the physical effects of acne. However, the emotional scars this cosmetic condition leaves behind often get overlooked. Many people wave acne off as a superficial problem or insist confidence issues are a harmless part of adolescence. Meanwhile, those with acne may feel too embarrassed or ashamed to seek mental health treatment. Of course, avoiding treatment only worsens those negative emotions.
If you or a loved one is dealing with acne’s mental health impact, it’s important to seek support. At FHE Health, we recognize the debilitating effects acne can have on your psychological, emotional and social well-being. Our mental health professionals are dedicated to helping our clients overcome negative emotions and regain the confidence they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our programs.
