Introduction:
Can unresolved grief trigger psoriasis? – When you are in a state of grief it may not only be emotionally difficult but also can create physical problems in your body and contribute to the development of psoriasis. Have you noticed that your psoriasis worsened following an emotional loss? Loss of a loved one, whether a parent, spouse, child, close friend or end of a meaningful relationship, can create emotional trauma. Many patients often look back and tell me things like:
“My psoriasis started after I lost someone I loved”
“My skin got worse after a difficult time in my life”
These statements cause me to ask a question where I’ve treated 32,000 psoriasis patients over the last thirty-nine years and have found that the condition is not just a skin condition. Underneath the visible redness, scaling and itching associated with psoriasis there is quite often emotional stress, loss, or grief associated with the disease.
The relationship between emotional health, stress, the immune system, and psoriasis is one that we will explore.
Grief is more than an emotion it can affect your body:
Grief is generally thought of as an emotional experience and typically associated with sadness, crying, and emotional pain; however, grief can have many effects on the health of a person.
With heavy emotional loss the following areas of a person may be affected:
- Quality of sleep
- Energy
- Routine
- Amount of Stress
- Stress response of the body
When people experience unresolved grief, they can have ongoing emotional distress that continues to be felt many years later, and the ongoing emotional distress will interfere with how the body functions and can create disorder in parts of the body already impacted by stress.
Stress, the immune system and psoriasis
The development of skin symptoms from psoriasis is directly related to immune system dysfunction and therefore a chronic inflammatory condition that has an autoimmune component (psoriasis) can be positively influenced or negatively impacted by how one’s immune system is functioning relative to whether there is chronic or acute emotional distress (stress) experienced.
Many studies and many patients have reported that emotional stress has been one of the most common triggers for a flare-up of psoriasis.
When the stress response remains elevated for long periods of time, an individual who is already prone to the condition of psoriasis may be subject to additional immune dysfunction that will increase the severity of skin symptoms associated with the condition.
It is important to remember that emotional stress and chronic emotional loss do not directly cause the flare-up of psoriasis, but may serve as a trigger to susceptible individuals.
What many patients have shared with me over the past several years:
Many patients have reported that they have experienced a similar cycle of events:
- “I developed my skin symptoms of psoriasis after my father passed away.”
- “My psoriasis flare-ups occurred shortly after my wife passed away.”
- “My skin symptoms of psoriasis have increased in severity after experiencing the death of someone close to me.”
Each individual’s journey will be unique; not every person with psoriasis will have the same experience concerning their “triggers”.
These stories serve as reminders that there is a deep connection between your mind and your body. In many cases, the skin will reveal the emotional burdens that a person has been carrying around silently for months, years, etc.
Why is emotional healing considered an important component of psoriasis management?
Psoriasis management isn’t solely about the application of creams, lotions or the care of visible patches. It’s also about applying care to your whole being.
A holistic approach includes:
- Identifying emotional/lifestyle triggers
- Using positive coping mechanisms to manage stress
- Creating a steady sleeping schedule
- Supporting yourself through family/friends/professionals if and when necessary
- Developing a balanced set of daily habits
Patients often find that improving their emotional health can assist them with managing their entire state of wellness and help them live healthier lives.
Asking yourself one key question…
For many patients, they spend years changing their creams, lotions, and/or medications.
However, many patients do not ever ask themselves the following questions…
“What was going on in my life before my psoriasis got worse?”
Considering major life events, emotional stress, and/or loss, can help identify patterns and help pinpoint personal triggers.
Knowing about these aspects of your life can be the first step toward better long-term management.
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Conclusion:
Psoriasis is more than just a skin ailment; it can also have an effect on your emotional state (self-confidence, feelings, etc.), your relationship with others, and according to many people’s experiences, their daily activities.
Grief does not cause psoriasis. However, unresolved emotional stress can be a contributing factor in causing flare-ups for some individuals.
The best way to manage psoriasis will include consideration of skin, as well as your emotional health, levels of stress, your lifestyle, and your overall well-being.
You are not alone in situations like this. If you have experienced either a recent or long-standing stressful event in your life and noticed worsened psoriasis after that event, it’s likely that there are more than a few people who can say the same.
Understanding your individual triggers will aid you in managing your psoriasis.
Want More Help?
Professional support can also help you understand your personal triggers and develop a personalized management plan for psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, palmoplantar psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and most other chronic skin problems.
Psoriatreat is India’s first homeopathic psoriasis clinic specifically dedicated to the treatment and care of psoriasis. As an institution, we have been instrumental in over 32,000 cases globally for 39+ years. Book an Appointment – https://psoriatreat.com/new-appointment
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can grief trigger a psoriasis flare-up?
Yes, for some individuals, intense emotional stress caused by grief may act as a trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. While grief itself does not directly cause psoriasis, the stress associated with emotional loss may influence immune system activity and worsen symptoms in people who are already prone to psoriasis.
2. Can emotional stress make psoriasis worse?
Yes. Emotional stress is one of the most commonly reported triggers among psoriasis patients. Stress can affect the body’s immune response and may contribute to increased itching, redness, scaling, or recurrence of psoriasis symptoms.
3. Can psoriasis start after a traumatic or stressful life event?
Some patients report noticing the first appearance of psoriasis after major life events such as the loss of a loved one, emotional trauma, relationship difficulties, or prolonged stress. However, psoriasis is a complex immune-mediated condition, and emotional stress is considered one of many possible triggers rather than the sole cause.
4. How does grief affect the immune system?
Long-term emotional stress associated with unresolved grief can influence the body’s stress response, sleep patterns, hormonal balance, and immune function. In susceptible individuals, these changes may contribute to worsening autoimmune conditions like psoriasis.
5. Why is emotional health important in psoriasis management?
Psoriasis management involves more than treating visible skin symptoms. Managing stress, maintaining good sleep, developing healthy coping strategies, and seeking emotional support when needed can play an important role in improving overall well-being and helping patients manage their psoriasis more effectively.
6. How can I manage stress-related psoriasis flare-ups?
Stress-related psoriasis management may include:
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
- Maintaining regular sleep habits
- Exercising regularly
- Following a healthy lifestyle
- Seeking emotional support from family, friends, or a mental health professional when needed
- Following your doctor’s recommended psoriasis treatment plan
7. Can emotional healing improve psoriasis symptoms?
Emotional healing may help reduce stress-related triggers and improve a person’s ability to manage psoriasis. While improving emotional health is not a guaranteed cure for psoriasis, many patients find that better stress management supports their overall psoriasis care.
8. Is psoriasis only a skin disease?
No. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition that affects more than just the skin. It can also influence emotional well-being, confidence, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
9. How do I know if stress or grief is triggering my psoriasis?
Pay attention to patterns in your life and symptoms. If you notice that your psoriasis worsens after periods of emotional stress, anxiety, grief, or major life changes, keeping a symptom journal and discussing your observations with your doctor may help identify personal triggers.
10. Should I seek professional help if grief is affecting my psoriasis?
If you are experiencing prolonged grief, emotional distress, difficulty coping, or worsening psoriasis symptoms, speaking with a healthcare professional can help you address both your emotional health and your overall psoriasis management.
Written by –
This article is written by Dr. R. S. Sonawane.
M.D. (Homeopathy), DI (Homeopathy), London
Psoriasis Specialist Doctor in India
Dr. R. S. Sonawane is India’s first Homeopathic Psoriasis Specialist, with over 39 years of dedicated experience in treating psoriasis and related chronic skin conditions using a holistic, patient-focused approach. He holds advanced training in homeopathy and has helped tens of thousands of patients achieve long-term relief from psoriasis through personalized, immune-balancing treatment plans designed to address the root cause of the condition rather than just symptoms.
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