Is Depression Normal with Vitiligo?

 

Feeling depressed is the most common complaint that I receive from readers who send me emails. It’s only natural that we go through periods where we feel more self-conscious about our white patches of vitiligo; after all, our self-image has been completely altered by the changes to the color of our skin.

I found out that I had hypothyroidism shortly before I noticed little white patches of vitiligo just below my nail beds. So, not only was I feeling a chemical depression from my hormones being out of whack, I started feeling sad because my skin was changing and I worried what other autoimmune disease I might get. After a week of not leaving my house I called my mom to talk about my fears and she helped me find a therapist with whom I could talk about these new issues I was facing.

Happy Gilmore saved my life…sort-of.

vitiligo cover lotion owner nathalie pelletierSeeking professional help made a huge difference to me because I felt like I wasn’t alone with my problems anymore. This wasn’t a magical cure, though. Even though I now had an unbiased person to talk with, I still felt sad. I knew that it was going to take a while for my new thyroid medicine to show results, which also meant that my brain chemicals were still out of whack. What to do? What to do?

I tell you what I did. I watched Happy Gilmore about a hundred times. Yes, I know that sounds weird, but I had a feeling that maybe laughing would make me feel happier, and I knew for sure that watching a movie would occupy my thoughts. It worked.

I’ve never talked about that to anyone because I didn’t think it was that important to share. However, today I was listening to a podcast on Stuff To Blow Your Mind called, “The Healing Power of Laughter”, and since they talked about laughter healing depression, I decided to share this little tip with you…it might make you feel better.

Here is a link to the podcast page: http://blogs.howstuffworks.com/2012/12/05/blow-your-mind-healing-laughter-and-killing-jokes/#mkcpgn=twsftsl

Here is the podcast on iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healing-power-of-laughter/id350359306?i=125784403&mt=2
Have you purposely used laughter to feel happier or cure your depression? If so, share your story in my comments area.

Special Note:
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or find that you avoid going out in public, please reach out for help immediately. Tell your parents, siblings, spouse, best friend, etc., how you’re feeling and ask them to help you get professional help. There is NO shame in this. Your happiness and well-being is so important…you are so important, remember that.

First published 2/1/18

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