Homereachomm2021-05-12T22:45:27+01:00

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Inspired by @tombilli’s recent post ❤️ TSW

Inspired by @tombilli’s recent post ❤️

TSW really takes its toll on your mental health. Comment with an emoji to share how you’re feeling today with the lovely TSW community. We are here for you.

It’s so important to reach out and ask for help from friends and family when you feel you are struggling. You are not alone.

Visit the link in our bio for more information about getting help from an NHS mental health charity.

#mentalhealthawarenessweek

Ildikó, 22, UK. 9 months TSW.  So I started goo

Ildikó, 22, UK. 9 months TSW. 
So I started googling why the steroids are not helping anymore, they made it worse if anything. And that’s when I came across TSW for the first time. It made me think and it made me scared of what might come. I was so stressed I was saying I don’t want my skin to be like this. So I stopped using steroids and it got even worse.

My whole body was raw and red, I had to stop working. I’m only lucky I had the support from work, I took 2 and a half months off I had to wait 6 months for a dermatologist appointment, with my GP saying I can’t see the derm if I don’t use the steroids.

My legs were so bad at a time I could barely walk, I couldn’t sleep, my body temperature wouldn’t regulate, I didn’t even have the energy to just be on my phone. A few times I walked into A&E because I couldn’t deal with it. All they ever said was it’s just eczema, take steroids/antibiotics, go home.

I was furious, my skin was actually smelly, I was shaking, it was raw, and they say it’s just eczema. So where I am today has nothing to do with the NHS and the help of my GP.

It got a lot worse before it started to get better. I looked like this for months, it was depressing, it really messes with your head to say the least.

At times I couldn’t sleep for days. I was up day and night, it very slowly got better and better.

Today it looks a lot better, though it’s still very sensitive, very itchy and it gets red, it’s still uncomfortable, I still don’t recognize myself in the mirror, it’s definitely a long and exhausting journey.

I have been seeing a traditional Chinese doc and a homeopath because after all this time I’m still awaiting an appointment for an allergy test at the hospital and for some other checks, ridiculous.

I’ve got great support, I still need the help of others with some things, there’s still a lot to work on both physically and mentally.

I can’t use ANYTHING on my skin which is quite disappointing as I’m a girl, but as soon as I try something it gets itchy, red, irritated.

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Many thanks to @ildiko.fejes for your submission ❤️

If you would like to share your story, DM us or email hello@scratchthat.org.uk

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is NATURE 🍃

Spending time in nature or finding nature wherever you are can help your physical and your mental wellbeing. It can reduce stress levels, improve your mood and even boost your confidence and self-esteem! When you are feeling down or stuck, it can seem unappealing or too challenging to take yourself outside, but once you do it, you’ll wonder why you even hesitated.

Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, notice the birds singing, smell the freshly cut grass – use all your senses to connect to nature where you are and find that sense of calm and joy that it brings.

Whether you make the effort to take breaks from work to sit in your garden, go for a walk, or just spend time talking lovingly to your house plants, try to notice nature wherever you are this week and take note of how it makes you feel. You might even develop some new habits that can keep you feeling good, long after this week, as mental health is something we should invest in all year round.

Why not share a photo of nature that brings you joy this week and spread it around online too! Tag us @scratchthat.uk so we can share them and use the #mentalhealthawareness. We’ll be sharing more thoughts and tips around mental health and TSW this week

EVENT 🗓 Saturday 15th May, 4-8:30pm GMT @itsan

EVENT 🗓 Saturday 15th May, 4-8:30pm GMT

@itsan.nonprofit’s SPARK Virtual Patient Conference. This is ITSAN’s largest patient meet-up to date, don’t miss it!

From ITSAN: Registration is open and already registrants from countries around the world and individuals who are impacted by Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome have signed up to join us. Come join us too! Sign up here to ignite the *Spark* of knowledge, hope, and camaraderie.

Learn from experts in their fields about integrative treatments, mental health, mindfulness, advocacy, and hear TSW success stories. Join breakout sessions for TSW caregivers, adults, men, women, and even a breakout room for the kids. TSW kids and siblings - bring paper and pencils for a fun cartooning class breakout session!

This conference is complimentary; please consider donating to ITSAN to help cover costs if you are able - thank you! http://ow.ly/sH3W50EBFRE

Link is in our bio.

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Useful links

US based TSW Charity raising awareness of and supporting individuals affected by TSW