Scientific findings have shown that skin diseases affect about one-third of the global population, making them a significant public health issue.
An individual's social, psychological, and emotional well-being and mental health can be drastically adversely affected if they have a skin disease. This is because a skin condition can negatively affect one’s daily life and the lives of their families, friends, partners, and caregivers. This means that a skin disease can reduce one’s overall quality of life.
Luckily, nature can help control the emotional and social impacts of skin diseases to improve one's life while living with a skin disease. In this article, we aim to help you understand how.
Common Skin Diseases That Affect the Emotional and Social Psyche
Statistics released between 1990 and 2017 state that the number of subcutaneous and skin diseases increased by an estimated 47%. Quite a few common skin diseases affect an individual's emotional and social psyche.
In recent years, studies have linked common conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne – affecting 9.4% of the world's population – and alopecia – affecting 2% of the global population – with an increased risk of substance abuse. In addition, there is an increased incidence of suicidal ideation and intent with those enduring skin conditions.
It has also been shown that those experiencing skin conditions often have lower self-esteem, poorer mental health, and increased psychological stressors.
Other skin diseases affecting an individual's emotional and social psyches to varying degrees include rosacea, vitiligo, urticaria, viral warts, and herpes simplex and zoster.
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The Psychological, Social, and Emotional Impact of Skin Diseases
Severe and chronic skin diseases can impact one’s well-being, including the physical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects. Skin diseases can also impact one’s relationships, sex life, career choices, and social activities. These skin diseases can affect one’s life directly, as well as family members and caregivers.
The most common psychological and emotional problems one may experience with skin diseases may include but not be limited to anxiety, depression, stress, anger, embarrassment, low self-esteem, and social isolation.
To help patients address these psychological and emotional problems, multiple psychotherapeutic techniques and psychopharmacology have been developed to help address these potential effects. And, more recently, nature has also been a source for improving the emotional and social impacts of these diseases.
How Nature Can Help Control the Emotional and Social Impacts of Skin Diseases
Being in tune with nature can help a person ground oneself and mentally prepare for emotional, psychological, or socially strenuous activities while managing the struggle of living with a chronic skin condition. Here's how nature can help.
Being in Nature Helps Regulate Emotions and Improve Mental Health
Choosing to be in nature can help decrease stress and anxiety. It can also help to defuse strong feelings you may be experiencing about your skin condition, such as anger or self-loathing. While exercise also helps with this, utilizing exercise in union with the outdoors has far more impactful benefits.
Incorporating physical activities with greener spaces has been linked to reducing the likelihood of depression, It also offers much-needed time to socially interact with family and friends to build support.
Statistically, children with skin diseases can benefit from being in nature as it reduces the likelihood of mental disorders. This was shown after a study conducted in Denmark concluded that of the children born between 1985 and 2003, children in a greener environment showed a reduced risk of developing a mental disorder later in their lives.
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Being in Nature Helps Regulate the Social Impacts of Skin Disease
In some cases, studies have revealed that the mind and body relax better in natural settings. This reaction is activated because being in nature can release feelings of happiness and pleasure that, in turn, help with concentration and focus.
By being outdoors, one can allow oneself a crucial mental break from the day-to-day stresses of life. It also helps one learn self-acceptance. This is especially important for those who have to deal with being routinely social while living with a chronic skin condition.
The Wrap-up on Using Nature to Help Regulate Emotional and Social Elements of Skin Diseases
The physiological and physical toll that a skin disease can take on a person can be a heavy burden for them and their loved ones to bear. However, with a combination of treatment and interaction with nature, one can effectively manage day-to-day living and live a healthy and self-loving lifestyle.
