If you’ve been recently diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), you’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed. Dealing with the physical symptoms of HS are hard enough, but you also have to remember your mental health is just as serious.
Living with a chronic condition like HS can take a serious toll on how you feel emotionally, and it’s important not to ignore signs you’re having mental health struggles.
HS doesn’t just affect your skin; it can also affect your emotional well-being. A meta-analysis of several studies comparing people who have HS with those without HS found those who have HS are more likely to have depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Understanding these risks and learning how to cope can help you take better care of yourself, both physically and mentally.
How HS Affects Your Emotions
Research tells us that people with HS often face mental health challenges. Living with the pain and discomfort of flare-ups, not knowing when the next one will hit, and dealing with the visible symptoms can affect your self-esteem, social life, and overall outlook on life.
In fact, studies have shown that people with HS are twice as likely to have depression and anxiety than people who don’t have the condition. For many, the emotional toll of HS is linked to the unpredictability of flare-ups, the pain that comes with them, and how the condition affects their daily lives.
Depression and anxiety
Dealing with a chronic condition like HS can lead to feelings of hopelessness and sadness, which are common symptoms of depression. The chronic pain, the need to frequently manage flare-ups, and the impact on your appearance can make anxiety and depression worse.
You might feel anxious about how others perceive you or worry about your next flare-up. Anxiety can make it difficult to go about your daily activities, especially when the pain of HS makes you want to avoid social situations or work.
Thoughts of suicide
For some, the mental health impact of HS can become so severe that they have thoughts of suicide. This is especially true if HS has caused significant disruptions in daily life. If you ever find yourself having thoughts of hurting yourself, it’s important to seek help right away. You don’t have to manage this condition alone, and there are professionals who can help.
If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it’s important to get help right away. Research shows that people with HS are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts. If you’re feeling this way, reach out for help immediately. You can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to 741741 to speak with a counselor.
Pain and Its Effect on Your Mental Health
HS pain and mental health are closely connected. Pain from HS can make your depression and anxiety worse, while stress and mental health problems can worsen chronic pain. This creates a difficult cycle that needs careful attention.
About 85% of people with HS said pain was the most difficult symptom to deal with. Physical pain can wear down your emotional resilience over time. It’s hard to stay positive when you’re constantly in pain or worried about your next flare-up.
Ongoing pain can also disrupt your sleep. Not getting enough sleep can make both physical and mental symptoms worse. Many people also feel anxious about the possibility of future pain, even when they’re not in the middle of a flare.
Learning techniques to help manage your stress can help reduce both HS flares and your emotional distress. When you’re able to manage your stress and anxiety better, you might notice fewer or less intense flares. This can help improve both your physical and mental health.
How HS Affects Emotional Well-Being: Women vs. Men
Women with HS often report slightly higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to men. But women, in general, are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. For women with HS, the higher rates of anxiety could be because of societal expectations, beauty standards, or hormonal changes that affect both HS symptoms and emotions.
Recognizing When You Need Help
It’s important to know the signs that your mental health might need attention. Depression and anxiety can sneak up on you, and sometimes it’s hard to realize what’s happening. Some people think these feelings are just a normal part of living with HS, but it’s important to take them seriously.
Signs of depression often feel like:
- Constant sadness
- Feelings of emptiness that last for at least two weeks
- No enjoyment in activities you used to love
- Pulling away from your friends and family
- Changes in your sleep patterns (sleeping too much or not enough)
Anxiety often shows up as:
- Constant worry about future HS flares, social situations, or relationships
- Fast heartbeat
- Sweating
- Trouble breathing
Some people develop social anxiety, especially when they’re concerned about others seeing their HS symptoms.
Common signs to watch out for
It’s not always easy to recognize when your mental health is being affected by your HS diagnosis. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Feeling sad or hopeless most of the time
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Feeling anxious, restless, or on edge
- Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Avoiding social situations or withdrawing from friends and family
- Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
- Having thoughts of suicide or self-harm
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to take them seriously. Just like your physical health, your mental health deserves attention and care. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling, even if you’re unsure whether your emotions are related to HS.
If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it’s important to get help right away. If you’re feeling this way, reach out for help immediately. You can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to 741741 to speak with a counselor.
Patient-Centered Care and Mental health
When managing your HS, it’s important to take a patient-centered approach to your care. This means that you and your health care provider work together to focus on your overall well-being, including your mental health.
What is patient-centered care?
Patient-centered care means putting you at the center of your treatment plan. It involves open communication, shared decision-making, and making sure that your mental health is a key part of your overall care.
You’re more than just your symptoms – your emotional and psychological well-being matters just as much as your physical health.
Why is it so important to mental health?
Focusing on patient-centered care allows you to address the emotional toll that HS can have. It gives you the space to talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling mentally, not just physically. It also helps to create a treatment plan that includes mental health care, such as counseling or medication if you need it.
Questions to ask your doctor
When talking to your doctor about your HS treatment, don’t forget to ask about mental health care.
Here are some questions to consider:
- How can my mental health be affected by HS?
- Should I see a therapist or counselor to help with my emotions?
- Are there any medications that could help me with depression or anxiety?
- What should I do if I feel overwhelmed or hopeless?
- Can you recommend support groups for people with HS?
Asking these questions can help ensure that your mental health gets the attention it deserves in your overall care plan.
Coping With Depression After an HS Diagnosis
If you’ve been diagnosed with HS and are feeling depressed, you’re not alone. Many people with HS have depression, and there are several ways to cope with it.
Here are some steps that may help.
Seek HS treatment
Research shows that getting effective HS treatment can improve your mood. Work with your doctor to create a customized treatment plan to relieve pain and drainage, treat sores, and prevent flare-ups.
Address concerns about odor
Many people with HS feel uncomfortable or humiliated about how their sores can smell and may avoid social situations. This can worsen your depression. If you’re concerned about odor, talk with your doctor about treatments to control it.
Consider medication for depression
For some people, medication can help manage the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Your doctor can talk to you about whether this might be an option for you and what medications might help improve your mental health.
Seek counseling
For some people, therapy or counseling – with or without medication – can help ease anxiety and depression. A mental health professional can work with you to come up with coping strategies and provide emotional support.
Join a support group
Consider joining a support group for people with HS. It can be a great way to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Studies show that sharing your experiences, learning from others, and feeling like you’re part of a community can help ease feelings of isolation.
Lean on family for moral support
Talking to your family and close friends about how you’re feeling can also provide much-needed emotional and moral support. Letting them know what you’re going through can also help them understand how to best support you.
Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage Depression
Along with professional help, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to focus on self-care and help improve your mental health while living with HS.
Relaxation techniques
Practicing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety. These skills can also help you focus on the present moment and manage the emotional impact of flare-ups.
Exercise
Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to boost your mood and improve mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that help you feel good. Even light exercise like walking can make a big difference.
Prioritizing sleep
Sleep is vital for your mental health because it helps your brain manage emotions, organize memories, and reduce stress. When we sleep well, our minds feel calmer, making it easier to focus and handle daily challenges. Good sleep also keeps your brain healthy by clearing out toxins and making you better able to adapt.
Staying connected
Social connections are essential for your mental health because they provide emotional support, reduce your stress, and improve your overall well-being. Loneliness and isolation can increase mental health risks. Feeling connected gives you a sense of belonging, security, and self-worth, which helps you better handle life’s challenges.
Asking for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s talking to a loved one, reaching out to a therapist, or asking your doctor for guidance, getting support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Moving Forward With HS
Living with HS while managing mental health is a journey, not a destination. Each person’s experience is different, and what works for one person may not work for you. Stay patient with yourself, and keep the lines of communication open with your health care team.
It’s normal to have setbacks. A bad day, or even a bad week, doesn’t mean you’re failing. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate small victories. With the right support and care, many people with HS lead fulfilling lives while managing both their physical symptoms and mental health.
Show Sources
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SOURCES:
Annals of Translational Medicine: “Hidradenitis suppurativa and psychiatric comorbidities, suicides and substance abuse: systematic review and meta-analysis.”
PubMed: “Hidradenitis suppurativa and psychiatric comorbidities, suicides and substance abuse: systematic review and meta-analysis,” “Chronic Pain-Induced Depression: A Review of Prevalence and Management,” “Comprehensive approach to managing hidradenitis suppurativa patients.”
American Academy of Dermatology Association: “Hidradenitis suppurativa: How to cope when depression hits.”
Mayo Clinic: “Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap,” “Depression (major depressive disorder).”
StatPearls: “Hidradenitis Suppurativa.”
Psychiatry.org: “Chronic Pain and Mental Health Often Interconnected,” “Lifestyle to Support Mental Health.”
Cleveland Clinic: “Anxiety Disorders.”
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: “Flare Prevention.”
NIH News in Health: “Sleep On It: How Snoozing Strengthens Memories.”
