There are many reasons why it might be difficult for someone to connect and make friends.
For me, that thing was living with atopic dermatitis most of my life.
I never expected this to be a factor in my relationships growing up.
Allegra Messina
None of them even bothered to try and understand, and just didnt see it as a big deal.
This takes a toll on your mental health all around and completely destroys your self worth and self image.
Most people with this condition struggle with this to some extent.
Isolation has made up a big part of my journey.
I have spent so much time alone that I get nervous about any human interaction now.
I struggle just going out to the store and being in public, let alone trying to make friends.
It feels diminishing most of the time.
I have had countless strangers in public ask me what is wrong with your face?
which makes for a very uncomfortable and awkward moment.
This affects all areas of our life, and it can truly be debilitating.
Along with skin conditions, there are many things that can manifest as a result as well.
Mental health is a very big one in this.
This shouldnt be the case.
As human beings, we all need connection, it is something necessary for people to thrive.
We are meant to connect to one another and have and receive support.
I still seek that connection and want to have it.
I was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis at a fairly young age.
When I was a teenager, I loved to be around people and have fun.
I was a fairly social person then and enjoyed being active and having fun.
This all changed the worse my skin got with atopic dermatitis and TSW (Topical Steroid Withdrawal).
I became more withdrawn and isolated myself.
I didnt want anyone to see me when I was flaring up.
I started to struggle going into public for even the simplest of things, like grocery shopping.
Dont even get me started on hanging out with someone or going out on a date!
This made it extremely difficult to connect with anyone.
I stopped even trying at some point.
The truth is, we just have to somehow push ourselves out of our comfort zones.
That is how we grow.
Those connections and that kind of support are priceless, and make the journey worth it.
That is the only truth, and that will never change, no matter what your skin is doing.
You will naturally start to attract people who are on the same frequency as you.
People who support and love you just as you are, and see far beyond the skin.
Dont ever let your skin or any other illness make you believe otherwise.
