[hobbypoet]

I'm suffering from acne, still. And I've done research and discovered there's a link between acne and mental health. That people with acne often suffer with depression and low self-esteem because of it.

I've been researching on how to deal with this. I'm trying positive affirmations, but it's so hard when I look in the mirror and see how horrible my face looks. I'll be fine, look in the mirror. And suddenly my emotions are spiraling, I fall apart crying and just feel so horrible about myself. In my mind, no one is ever going to love me or want to be with me if I look this way. I think I look so ugly. I'm seeing a dermatologist, but the treatment isn't working. I have a medical condition that causes a hormonal imbalance. I'm doing everything. All the right things, and skin care procedures. I'm doing everything right. And my face still looks awful.

I feel like my life has become, for several months, just a battle with my acne. Trying and trying, and fighting, and spiraling emotionally. But I can never win.

I don't know what to do anymore. Professional help isn't helping. I can't just hide away forever, I have to work and live my life. But I don't feel like I will ever be attractive again and it really devastates me. I wish I knew how to feel better about this but nothing helps. I'm so tired of fighting this fight.

[zapatoes]

Sorry to hear this @hobbypoet and I can sympathize and empathize since had acne as a teen and into my 20’s, and it caused me to feel very self conscious. At one point took antibiotics for a short time and the best treatment was Accutane, but need approval and to sign an agreement will take birth control since it causes birth defects. Now there may be better treatments that are not so intense or that cause birth defects.

[DoroMona]

I really sympathize with you. I had bad skin as a teenager and it certainly affected my self esteem and self image. My skin is still not perfect, but it's better than it was back then and I've made my peace with it. Don't give up hope; keep educating yourself on the subject and working with your dermatologist. Maybe find a different dermatologist, if this one really isn't working out. At the same time, try to have compassion for yourself. Sometimes you just have to be your own best friend and build yourself up--do kind things for yourself and remind yourself of your good qualities. Try not to define yourself by your appearance. I've encountered plenty of people with bad skin who still have found good partners and had successful careers.