The condition can have a negative impact on mood and daily living, as it can be a chronically painful and uncomfortable condition. Eczema impacts quality of life for the sufferer and their whole family. Sleep disruption is very common, especially in infants and young children, but can also be true for adults suffering with eczema. Feelings of embarrassment can lead to social withdrawal and low self-esteem.
If at any time you need urgent help with your mental health, go to your nearest emergency department.
When people have trouble with eczema, they often seek help from their dermatologist or family doctor. The doctor can focus on medical strategies to treat the eczema. But often, there are other difficulties that go beyond just the medical effects of the eczema. It is important to also consider the emotional effects of eczema.
Adults and children with eczema often have experiences that can make them feel bad. These can include:
When people wake up at night due to itching, it can be very frustrating. They often lose out on a good night’s sleep. People who don’t sleep well are often irritable the next day, at risk for headaches, and not as good at solving everyday problems. When children with eczema don’t sleep, often no one in the house sleeps. This can impact the psychological well-being of the parents and siblings as well as the child with eczema.
Eczema can be very painful and can be on the person’s mind all the time. People in constant pain have a hard time getting their daily activities and work done. Sometimes they are more emotional because they get frustrated and tired by the pain.
Sometimes people feel less self-control because of their eczema (like not being able to stop itching). Some even feel less attractive because of changes in their skin.
Together, these challenges can leave people feeling anxious, stressed, and even depressed. There is help! Working with a psychologist who understands these problems can help you manage these feelings better.
If you need urgent help with your mental health, go to your nearest emergency department or call 911.
If eczema is impacting your mental health, you are not alone, and there are organizations to help support you. The following are organizations and services across Canada offering support to Canadians.
Disclaimer: ESC does not offer mental health/crisis support, but here are some resources to help support you on your eczema and mental health journey. ESC encourages you to look into them and see if they are a good fit for your needs.
Anxiety Canada is a registered Canadian charity, partnering with agencies across Canada, that provides accessible, science-based anxiety support and relief resources.
Learn more at:
ENGLISH: https://www.anxietycanada.com/
FRENCH: https://www.anxietycanada.com/fr/
Canadian Government provides a list of provincial and territorial mental health resources.
Learn more at:
ENGLISH: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html
Hope For Wellness is a helpline available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The helpline is operated by Donna Cona, an Indigenous organization funded by the Government of Canada.
Learn more at:
ENGLISH: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/about-us/
FRENCH: https://www.espoirpourlemieuxetre.ca/a-propos/
Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French. Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free). Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to Canadians aged 5 to 29 who want confidential and anonymous care from trained responders.
Learn more at:
ENGLISH: https://kidshelpphone.ca/
FRENCH: https://jeunessejecoute.ca/
If you or someone you know are in crisis and/or suicidal, there is hope. There is help available 24/7. Please refer to some of the following crisis support lines and services.
Crisis Services Canada – Talk Suicide Canada – Crisis Services Canada – Talk Suicide Canada is a joint initiative with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Crisis Services Canada and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) National as founding partners. Canada Wide call or text 988, free, any time – lines are open 24/7/365.
Learn more at:
ENGLISH: https://988.ca/
FRENCH: https://988.ca/fr
Crisis Text Line (Powered by Kids Help Phone) – Canada Wide, free, 24/7 texting service is accessible immediately to youth anywhere in Canada by texting CONNECT to 686868 to reach an English-speaking Crisis Responder and PARLER to 686868 to reach a French-speaking Crisis Responder on any text/SMS enabled cell phone.
There are groups in every province that can connect you with someone who can help. Below is our most up-to-date list of provincial psychologist associations.
Learn about bathing, moisturizing, and eczema management, as well as common triggers and techniques to cope with itch.
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Learn about the different types of eczema, tips for managing flares, and more.
