and left behind some discoloration, Kent shared that people still stared on. During an interview with SELF last year, she said, “I felt like I was being judged for a condition I have no control over.”
Making matters worse, she went through several medications before finding any type of relief. Throughout that time, she experienced side effects that either worsened her psoriasis or led her to develop other issues, such as bell’s palsy. Kent’s health condition was indeed making life difficult for her.
Her Skin Condition Affected Her Mentally
Unfortunately, psoriasis also negatively impacted her mental health. When the disease was at its worst, the 51-year-old experienced long periods of depression. She recalled thinking, “I don’t want to live like this.”
Making matters worse, Kent shared that her daughter developed psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis as well. Guilt and shame consumed Kent, as she often blamed herself for “giving” her daughter the skin condition. To say that the mother and wife went through a difficult time is an understatement.
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Debra Kent Encourages Others To Have A Positive Mindset
Kent was eventually able to bounce back and regain control over her life again. The support from her husband and daughter reminded her that she had something to live for. Even better, she eventually found the right physician and medication to help manage her condition.
Of course, living with skin issues has been no walk in the park. The 51-year-old admitted that living with psoriasis has been challenging, but she’s learning to accept her condition one day at a time. When she was first diagnosed, she felt alone in her struggles. Fortunately, Kent developed a way to overcome her dark moods and periods of depression. Because she is a spiritual person, she started praying and writing positive affirmations.
The best advice Debra Kent wants to give to people living with psoriasis is to keep a positive mindset. Stress can cause flare-ups and even worsen the condition in some people. In addition, Kent tells others to keep hope alive and know that things will get better. She managed to find a good healthcare provider and the right medication to treat her psoriasis. She believes the same can be done for others.