Hi- I know I shouldn't have let it get this far, but I am allowing my KP to sink me into a deep depression. Now, I have used it as my excuse not to want to go out and just to feel low about life in general. And the thing is, my KP might be fairly moderate. Even so, since I am not perfect . . . and so o and so on. But I belive that together we have a collective wisdom and that we can share coping mechanisms that have truly worked. I know for instance that what works for me is to hang out with a good friend and have such a good time that I forget about my skin.
But othewr times like now it gets me down- also, I've gotten to the point where my bumps are controlled by buffing and lotions, so now I have done all I can do, and am prepared to ACCEPT.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT HOW TO DEAL PSYCHOLOGICALLY WITH THIS?

First off, I'm sorry you've got the KP cloud hanging over your head. I found my way out from under it by two tried and true ways,
1) Things could be worse. I don't have to elaborate here about how bad other people have it in this world.
2) When that doesn't work I remember to set a good example for my daughters. As a mother if i don't show by example to accept themselves and their faults I might be raising them with low self-esteem. It's hard to do because I have those days when it's hot and I want to go sleeveless... or it's a day when I feel overweight. But I don't let it get me down because it takes work to accept yourself just the way God made you.

Hope that helps. If you don't have kids, then maybe you can just be your own good example and let go of the disappointment you have about having KP little by little.

Do you have KP on your face? Like a very prominent case on your face? I can see where it would put you in a funk if you had it on your face, but I'm sure there are people who do have it on their face that don't let it get them down.

I just turned 30 in September and I have never felt depressed about my KP. Sure its not pleasant to look at. I've had people step away from me with fear on there face thinking I was contagious. I have my share of KP horror stories, but I have never let any of those situations rule how I feel about myself.

Is it possible that some of ya'll may be dealing with depression and using the KP as the focus of all those feelings that come with depression? Think about it and talk to a doctor because you don't have to live your life like this. I know depression. It would not surprise me. I mean we are deficient in certain fats that our brains need.

To answer your question. I cope. This is the skin I live in. If someone has a problem with my bumps its their problem not mine. Peoples' reactions to my bumps lets me in on their character. If they are going to react to my dried out looking chicken skin then I hate to see how they react to other people who have more severe problems than we do.

And if KP is your biggest problem then count yourself blessed. There are a lot more obstacles in this life that we have to endure.

And please don't think I am being cold. I'm not. I've been reading through these posts and I just can't understand how deeply this has affected some of your lives. I have it. I have a very bad case of it...all my life, but some of ya'll choose to hide? Why?

Get up and move. Joan Baez had it right when she said that action was the antidote to dispair.

ARR

thank you all . . . keep on writing! And perhaps the webmaster can post all of these under a heading called "Psychology and KP" or some such.
btw, I love Joan Baez!

I completely and totally agree with arrazorback. i have been depressed and it is no fun. my looks can really get to me sumtimes. it can be really bad. BUT... the best way i(for me anyway) is to keep moving. keep yourself busy, basically, its distraction. if you keep busy you wont focus on yourself. what made it worse for me was staying at home, listening to depressing music, not talking to friends, doing nothing, and constantly thinking. go out, get a job(if you dont have 1), and make plans. I really believe that we can decide how we react to things in our life. i hope i helped and that you feel better soon