We are all individuals with our own genetic makeup, talents and personal issues etc. Skin conditions can be a very sensitive area to people battling identity issues. It is important, as a human race, not to judge or justify obscene behavior by hurting someone or making fun of them. Even social media sites thinking certain filters are a fad like this vitiligo filter that has more recently emerged on Instagram.
Skin conditions are not a fad. It takes some people a lifetime to face their insecurities and embrace their own personal beauty and uniqueness.. Remember to be aware and sensitive to people facing conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, albinism and vitiligo, just to name a few.
These conditions can be traumatizing and debilitating to some individual’s mental health including being bullied and even self-harm. Be present and aware of your actions and your words. Also, listen to your children, don’t discount their struggles. An example that I used in lecture was about a teenage boy with cheek blushing and redness. He kept telling his mom how this bothered him. He was seeking to talk to someone and find solutions. His twin brother did not face the same skin blushing and redness. They graduated and went off to college and he ended up taking his life by hanging himself in his dorm closet. The guilt his poor mom probably still feels is unbearable. He is more than an example, I’ve carried him in my heart for several years now.
Some of these people and teenagers really need a therapist to talk to or support from other facing similar issues. Acne grades 3 and 4 are prime examples of conditions that can cause trauma. Even staring at someone’s birthmark can be hurtful to them. In a world where many things are out of our control, BE KIND and remember that one day you may need a self confidence boost or to feel accepted. Be mindful
The Beauty Mark 