Psoriasis and success

Despite my developing mental strength, psoriasis was still a serious burden to bear. I was still constantly teased, and I would still cry. In these moments I’d feel a profound sadness and helplessness, as well as a sense of shame for being born with a disease. But armed with my newfound admiration for my body’s capabilities, I realized my psoriasis had given me a unique gift of strength – one that came from enduring pain, not from denying it. I was right that my disease did not define me, but the journey on which it had led me certainly did. Having psoriasis meant that I had a choice: I could let the disease dictate my actions, or I could summon the strength to live life on my own terms, in spite of the disease.

I’m no longer trying to conceal the hardships of having a genetic disorder. There are days where I break down and cry and pray for a cure or a miracle, but, even in those dark moments, I know that I’m so much more than my skin. I have pursued my passion and achieved excellence in a field that requires me to expose my skin on stage. My body is covered in a loud red rash, but the grace and poise I exhibit through dance allows me to take something ugly and make it beautiful. My body has been my greatest struggle, but it is also my means of finding good in the bad, of taking the unaesthetic and creating a form of art. Psoriasis is an undeniable burden, but somehow it is ultimately powerless.

A major contributor to public ridicule is simply that people are largely unaware that psoriasis is a common and noncontagious disease. With this in mind, I often offer my own unsolicited information to strangers when I notice them staring. I always smile, and with open communication everyone generally feels at ease. Sharing about psoriasis really doesn’t have to be a big deal. Everyone has hardships, and psoriasis happens to be one you can see.

Of course, even with a positive attitude, there will always be those who are unwilling or unable to see past your skin condition. While you cannot predict these adverse reactions, and while they will always be hurtful, it’s still important to give people chance to learn and respond. People will often surprise you with how understanding and compassionate they can be. My friends are so reassuring, and the fact that I’m able to go to them with my insecurities makes our friendships even stronger. It’s important to remind yourself that anyone who treats others differently for having psoriasis probably isn’t worth having in your life, whether you have the disease or not.

Whether I dance on stage or walk down the street, I live my life with courage and strength as I continue to battle this disease. I often feel the pain of the high school dream, but that is not to say that I am asleep.