I had the opportunity to attend a Meet-up with my virtual support group, on mental health and how it relates to HS. It was led by a psychologist. I anticipated attending and wasn’t at all disappointed!👏🏽👏🏽 She touched on the unavoidable byproducts of HS… Depression, Anxiety and Isolation. I could relate to pretty much everything she brought out, from how the depression can manifest more as anger in younger persons (me), whereas it’s more of a sadness or low in older ones, to the effects and fears of sexual intimacy. These are topics I’ve been able to explore in my personal therapy sessions, so it was nice getting that reinforcement.

My mom and sister attended with me, which was also nice. After the presentation, we were able to speak on our individual experiences and share. This was good for me. I realize that as the doctor brought out, sharing and speaking on your life experience, whatever that may be, is so helpful in processing and managing our issues in a healthier way. I look forward to the next meet-up and any and everything else that helps me maintain my physical, mental and emotional being along this path.