Acne and Mental Health
Acne is a complex and chronic disease with far-reaching consequences. The toll that it takes has been equated to people living with chronic asthma, diabetes, back pain, or arthritis. It can make you vulnerable to other people’s opinions and insecure about your appearance.
I’ve been treated differently by friends, family, and complete strangers. It’s affected my social life, work life and mental health. I just hate living like this. ~ Zoe, 38
Having clear skin sends a message to those around you about your general health. Evolutionary psychologists theorise that our ancestors learned to avoid people with seeping, inflamed, or open sores because these people were ill and could “give” others their sickness, which explains why we can be repulsed by visible skin abnormalities such as pimples, discolourations, pits, and scars. It seems that this attitude is hard-wired into us, and it also deeply affects how those of us with acne feel about ourselves.
Research shows that acne affects quality of life and self-esteem, and as the severity of the acne increases, the quality of life decreases. Acne has been linked to low self-worth, social isolation, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, and relationship issues. People with acne are known to avoid sport, social gatherings, and interactions with potential intimate partners because of their skin. These effects are made worse by taunting and teasing, being stigmatised, and perceptions of being judged.
Honestly, I’m utterly miserable. I’m in a new relationship, and I feel like cancelling our next date. How can I go out with a face like this? I can’t kiss him, and I also don’t want to discuss it with him. We’re supposed to be going away next week. ~ John, 25
Furthermore, the scars left behind by acne are not only unsightly but may also put a heavy emotional, financial, and social strain on those affected. Suicidal thoughts and attempts, despair, anxiety, lack of self-confidence, social impairment, poor academic achievement, and unemployment are some of the many negative psychological outcomes that have been linked to acne.
People with acne need strong social, and sometimes professional, emotional support. If you need it, reach out to a mental health professional near you. If you’re not sure where to start, try Headspace, Lifeline, the Suicide Callback Service or your local GP or community health service.
