12 years of acne have kept me in constant depression.

I'm 25 years old.  I have suffered with chronic acne for a little over 12 years. I've been through 3 courses of Accutane & have taken a great many antibiotics prior to Accutane treatment.  Now, (and possibly for the remainder of my life according to my dermitologist) I take 250mg of Amoxicillin per day.

I have been abused for many years becuse of my appearance.  Needless to say a social life has been all but impossible to obtain.  I'm treated as though I were not human.  I never pick my eyes up from the floor.  When my skin does clear, it reveals innumerable scars.  I am wholly unattractive.  I try so hard to find a reason to get up in the morning and go to work.  I'm barred from any social activity.  How can I reconcile my feelings?  

[HFHS M.D.-SW]

Dear Marc,

     It must be difficult to go through so many years of your life feeling so bad about your appearance.
     The symptoms you present are suggestive of depression.
     Major Depression is characterized by poor sleep, a false sense of worthlessness and hopelessnes, decreased
     motivation, low self-esteem, and decreased energy. If severe, the sufferer may have suicidal ideations.

     The good news is that treatment is available.
     A psychiatrist may offer psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy to improve your self image, and to help you cope
     with your current stresssors. Don't give up!

     Best Wishes,

     HFHS M.D.-SW

[HFS M.D.-SW]

Dear Marc,

It must be difficult to go through so many years of your life feeling so bad about your appearance.
The symptoms you present are suggestive of depression.
Major Depression is characterized by poor sleep, a false sense of worthlessness and hopelessnes, decreased motivation, low self-esteem, and decreased energy. If severe, the sufferer may have suicidal ideations.

The good news is that treatment is available.
A psychiatrist may offer psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy to improve your self image, and to help you cope with your current stresssors. Don't give up!

Best Wishes,

HFS M.D.-SW

[Mizzie]

Just because you look one way on the outside doesn't mean you look the same on the inside. i've got acne too but i've come beyond staring at myself in the mirror wondering if I'll get a guy to ask me out. yes i do become depressed but my friends tell me how beautiful my heart is, my soul not my face and i don't need to be told my physical body is beautiful because I konw that. acne or no acne I know that and thats all that matters; not what some guy tells me or some stuck up girl tells me; I'm beautiful enough for me, and me alone.