Emotionally Dealing with Acne
By Dan Goggins
It is a fact that nearly 17 million people in the
United States alone currently have acne. Thus, acne is the most common
skin disease. However, if so many americans are afflicted with this
skin disease, then why is there a social stigma with acne?
Due to the ever increasing social and media pressure
on americans to become as beautiful as they can be, acne can be a
detering blow. If acne is untreated, then it can lead to disfiguration
of the skin and permanent scarring affecting self esteem for years
to come.
First, acne must not only be treated physically, but
emotionally as well. Since acne predominantly affects teens during
puberty, which is a stage of generally low self-esteem as the body
develops, acne can cause deep emotional scars as well.
How does a teen, who is constantly bombarded by media
influences telling them that they have to look perfect, accept acne
as a common problem that should have no effect on their personal worth?
There are several tips that these teens can do that can help overcome
acne emotionally.
- Attend Motivational Summer Camps
- Join Clubs at School
- Participate in Sports
- Develop a Talent
- Work at a Part-Time Job
These tips help build self-esteem that acne
breaks down. For instance, if a teen participates in sports, then not
only will they feel that they are part of a group (comradery) but also
revel in the accomplishments of the team.
A Part-Time job gives the teen a sense of worth, that
they can be a valuable part of the work force. The money earned helps
gives the teen more self-worth, that they have earned it. If the teen
has a natural talent, such as music, the parents can encourage the
teen to develop the talent.
Developing a talent not only instills within the teen
a healthy work ethic (practice), but seeing the gradual improvement
will help boost self-esteem.
Perhaps the largest resource that teens can use to
overcome the emotional scars of acne is their parents. If parents
talked to their teens regularly, and have open conversations with
their teen about their acne, then the teen will feel less ashamed
of their dilema.
Parents can also relate their own experiences with
acne, since most americans deal with pimples and zits at least in
some point in their life. Parents can also get advice from other parents
on how they have helped their teens deal with acne.
On AcneRelief.org
there is a forum where both parents and teens can write about their
own experiences with acne, and learn from what others have written.
While acne can be devestating for teens during the
developmental years of puberty, the worst scarring can be emotional,
not physical. Teens should always remember that acne is a common skin
disease that affects many americans.
If acne is hurting their self-esteem, parents can
boost their self-worth by maintaining open conversations with their
children and encourage activities such as clubs, sports, and developing
talents.
Dan Goggins is a recent college graduate with interests
in small businesses and family life. You can read family and business
advice at his website.
