Why Socialize?
Provide Opportunities to Be Helped
You already know what you think, how you would solve a problem and why you feel the way you do about yourself. What you need is a fresh perspective that only comes from communicating with someone else.
Whether the person has psoriasis or not, their point-of-view may offer suggestions or a new way of thinking that you have not yet uncovered. Perhaps, they know a home remedy or can make a recommendation regarding the new doctor in town. Maybe they have an awesome chili recipe that always provides them with comfort on cold nights.
Allowing yourself to seek and accept help from others has a lot to do with willingness. Being willing means that you can approach a situation without judgment or preconceived notions. You accept that you do not have all the answers.
Provide Opportunities to Help Others
The most significant item is last. As important and beneficial as it is to be helped, the impact of helping others is even greater. When you help others, you gain a sense of control in your environment, a sense of purpose and a sense that you matter.
These aspects will make life feel more worthwhile and manageable. With this being the case, stress will be reduced and replaced with a new drive to improve the lives of others. Less stress means fewer flares and less depression and anxiety.
Types of Supports
You are constantly surrounded by supports without you even realizing it. They vary in degree of benefit and convenience, but if supports have been lacking, none should be ruled out.
Online Supports
If you are reading this, you have internet access. Today, that means you have a way to connect to millions of people around the world with countless pieces of information and an endless variety if interests.
Supports may be formalized like with an official psoriasis support group, or causal in the form of random encounters on a message board, online game or social network. The availability is a huge plus while the lack of face-to-face contact, and the intimacy that comes with it, is a drawback.
Finding supports online is a great entry point from anyone looking to build their support system.
Professional Supports
Your doctors, counselors and any other professionals that work to improve your overall well-being are supports even though you may not have considered them previously. It is their job to take care of you so be sure that you work to communicate your needs and your wants clearly and effectively.
The pros are that they are available to you when needed and knowledgeable, but the cons include their inability to cross over from professional to personal life.
Family
Everyone has a family. Perhaps your family has some issues and shortcomings as all families do. Work hard to establish realistic expectations of your family so that you can seek the appropriate level of support.
If your family has your back regardless of the situation or circumstances, utilize this to your advantage whenever possible. If your family only comes through in particular instances, choose your contact wisely to gain assistance when needed the most.
