This skin that surrounds and protects us is our home, it is the shell of our body, it is our business card.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and marks the inside and outside of us. It can be understood as the first and last defense against attacks from the external environment; it is a protection, a barrier; it is the means by which the external world and the other touches us and is perceived.
Our biological body is bathed by culture, by the society in which we live. Marks of pleasure and displeasure are written on it based on the relationships we maintain with others and with the world.
In our society there is a demand for aesthetics, having a skin problem or being too fat or tall; be different from the standards imposed by the society in which we live; brings uncomfortable looks at our bodies, criticism, mockery, exclusion; and these actions have an impact on our emotions and our body.
The body reacts and our mind/psyche becomes vulnerable.
We start to feel devalued, inferior, directly affecting our self-esteem which becomes very low, we are left with a lot of anxiety. Displeasure is one of the causes of anxiety.
We begin to be afraid, afraid of interacting with other people, of going out for a walk. We begin to deprive ourselves of activities so as not to be exposed and vulnerable. It can lead to depression.
Experiencing these unpleasant situations or even just remembering them causes a lot of anxiety! AND Anxiety is also a reaction generated by insecurity, a feeling of fear about what could happen in this contact with other people.
It is worth remembering that some people react badly when faced with someone who has an “illness or problem”, as they think the problem could be contagious. But what usually happens is that people feel uncomfortable because they are different from themselves.
How to proceed?!!
Is very difficult, but you will be able to deal with a situation better if you recognize your feelings, this fear and this insecurity, because the first step in dealing with a problem is admitting its existence.
You know why you suffer! You know it's not okay to treat you with differences or indifference.
So come on, think about your qualities, your victories, remember that you are much more, much more than just appearance.
You can use resources such as makeup, scarves or others; but the main thing is to accept this body, this skin, a brand.
It is difficult? Yes it is; But if you take control of yourself, you will have the resources to better enjoy the world and the people around you. Instead of depriving yourself of going out, going for walks, instead of closing yourself off from the world because of this disease; being able to enjoy the things in life?!
There are so many things to be done, discovered; so many people to meet.
Each of us is unique and you are the only one who can walk your path, you may be accompanied, but no one can do it for you.
As the author said: “You can’t have harmony when everyone sings the same note.”.(Doug Floyd).
Live your difference, embody it!
Ingrid da Rocha Campos Politi
Psychoanalyst/Psychologist/Gerontologist
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