Cystic Acne And Symptoms Of Depression

Studies over several years have found acne can cause depression in some people. In fact, acne sufferers have the same chance of suffering depression as sufferers of other chronic illnesses. Many people report they feel upset and anxious when they get acne breakouts. While most people deal with these feelings and overcome them, some do not.

Doctors have found that of the patients they treat for a physical disorder, 29 percent also suffered from a depressive or anxiety disorder. The incidence of depression among suffers of chronic disorders is higher than in the general population, where up to 12 per cent of men and 25 percent of women are at risk of suffering a major depressive episode.

Our skin is what we present to the world and acne is an obvious, embarrassing blemish, which can be hard to deal with. This is particularly so today because of the emphasis our culture puts on our appearance. We are used to seeing pictures of perfect people with perfect skin, perfect hair and perfect bodies. Having acne, which is such an obvious, imperfection, does nothing for our self-esteem. In some people, this can lead to a serious threat to their mental health.

There are a number of symptoms of depression but the main one is a feeling of sadness that is present most days and lasts most of the day. If this continues over a period of two weeks and other symptoms are present, then it is wise to seek help.

Other signs to look for:

1. Lack of motivation

2. Continual tiredness

3. Lack of concentration

2. Changes in eating patterns - lack of appetite or eating more than usual

4. Changes in sleeping patterns - getting too much or too little sleep

5. More emotional than usual - crying more often

6. A general loss of interest in life

People do not have to have acne to become depressed, but in those who are prone to depression, acne can play a significant role. Treating the acne is also treating the depression because generally, depression lessens as the acne heals. By taking action people feel they are taking control and acting positively, which is a great antidote to feeling depressed. It also helps them focus on the cure rather than on the symptoms.

Health professionals working in this field are accustomed to people in a depressed or anxious state of mind. They are the best people to help with both acne and depression. The way to get rid of the depression is to get rid of the acne.

Once an acne sufferer has taken these steps the next step is to develop a healthy lifestyle: a healthy, low sugar diet; plenty of sleep; regular exercise. In addition to that, it is important to follow a program that will address the cause of the acne rather than just treating the symptoms. This way, both the acne and depression will be cured.