I wanted to make this post to introduce myself and thank anyone associates with this website. I know I am not alone when it comes to having vitiligo but sometimes it feels like I am. I see people in my everyday life that share my same skin condition but I always refrain from bringing it up because I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable as I never know how they feel about discussing it. It's great to find somewhere that I can talk openly about how vitiligo has affected my life.
I'm 33 years old now and vitiligo started developing on me about 3 years ago, first it started off as what felt like eczema. Shortly after the white spots began to appear on my hands and forearms as well as other parts of my body. It took its toll on my self esteem and my attitude towards meeting someone new. I'm happy I had a great amount of friends and family around me that are always positive and protective of me. I've found it hard when it come to dating as I feel I am being judged for my vitiligo, I always try hiding my hands and I feel uncomfortable showing my spots. There are days and months I go without even thinking about my vitiligo, sometimes I even forget I have it. Then there are days where people stare and I'm reminded I have it. Honestly I rather people ask me about it than just stare, but people will stare thats part of life. I'm guilty of it as well when I didn't have any.
I'm at a point in my life where I am removing or at least trying to remove all stress, I focus on what makes me happy. I believe in leading a peaceful life and not involving myself with negative people. The less stress in my life the better! I know my vitiligo my become worst before it becomes better and I'm learning to accept this and move forward.
Replies
I understand how you feel Albert.
Hi Albert and welcome!
Like you I started getting my first white spot 3 years ago as I was undergoing severe stress finishing up a practicum for my Master's degree in counseling. I also forget I have it but I'm reminded when people stare at my hands or say "nice ring!" and I respond "Yeah, it's called Vitiligo" and I begin to educate them about the disease and tell them how it's ok to be curious, lol! I meet people who have it all the time and strike up a conversation and refer them to this website, many are depressed or stressed out about it so they need to communicate with others who also have it, it's very releasing for them.
I sometimes think that I got this disorder so I could make more spiritual progress...I have definitely made leaps, lol! Stay positive and remember that this body is only a carcass waiting to rot, the true value is in your spirit!
Thank you for your reply Ahnais Jai! I'm going to make more of an effort to talk with someone who I see has Vitiligo as well. I've always been pretty social and had no qualms about talking to random strangers but when it came to someone who has Vitiligo as well I would always freeze up and never quite knew what to say. I'm sure they are feeling just like me when they see someone else with vitiligo. I'm going to do as you and talk to them, let them know they are not alone in this world when it comes to viti and refer them to this site.
Have a great day!
Hello Albert,
I feel exactly the same..I'm learning to deal with it and I'm doing things that make me feel better...Also, getting rid of all the people who are negative and cause negative energy. I'm a the point where I'm not even dating and the past few people I have dated..I did tell them and they were OK with it.....WE have to remember how Beautiful we are inside and keep reminding each other. I tend to forgot that I have Vitiligo myself but certain things happen and I remember that I do have this "thing" that is not going to ruin my life...or affect how I live...Hope your Holidays were good!!!
Catrina
Thank you for your kind words Catrina! Have a happy new year!
I'm glad you have learned to move forward. It's the most important part as there is nothing else we can do.