Championing Whole-Person Wellness

When most people hear “Hidradenitis Suppurativa,” they think of a skin disease. But if you live with HS, you know it’s much more than that. HS impacts confidence, sleep, relationships, mobility, work, school, and most importantly — mental health.

And yet, many treatment plans focus only on the physical symptoms, leaving a huge part of the struggle unaddressed.

It’s time to stop separating mental health from HS care.
Because healing happens in the whole person, not just the skin.

The Emotional Weight of HS Is Real

People living with HS often experience:

• Anxiety about the next flare
• Depression from chronic pain and fatigue
• Shame related to visible scarring or drainage
• Fear of rejection in relationships
• Social isolation and withdrawal
• Trauma from years of misdiagnosis or dismissal
• Sleep deprivation that worsens mood and inflammation

Research shows HS is linked with significantly higher rates of depression and even suicidal thoughts. These are not signs of weakness — they are the emotional cost of a condition that demands so much.

Your feelings deserve support.
Your mental health deserves care.

Physical Pain and Emotional Pain Are Connected

Pain affects the brain — especially severe or unpredictable pain like HS causes.

• Sudden flares can trigger panic
• Long flare cycles drain emotional energy
• Lack of sleep makes coping harder
• Stress can worsen inflammation

The HS flare cycle isn’t just physical — it’s mind-body.

Addressing emotional wellness can help break that cycle and support better physical outcomes.

Mental Health Providers Are Essential Care Team Members

Just like dermatologists support the skin, therapists support the heart and mind.

Therapists and mental-health-aware coaches can help with:

✔ Building coping skills for flare-day challenges
✔ Managing pain-related stress and anxiety
✔ Processing shame, trauma, and fear
✔ Rebuilding confidence and body image
✔ Supporting school, work, and relationships
✔ Creating hope — even through tough seasons

And importantly:
They validate that what you’re going through is hard — and you’re doing your best.

You Deserve a Supportive Community Too

Isolation can make HS feel heavier. Connection helps lighten the load.

Support communities — like IAHSN’s groups for teens  — offer:

• A safe place to share without judgment
• Encouragement from others who understand
• A reminder that you are never alone

Human connection can be powerful medicine.

Hope Grows When Mental Health Is Supported

Recognizing emotional needs isn’t a luxury — it’s a vital part of healing.

You deserve:

✨ Compassion from every provider
✨ Care that acknowledges emotional pain
✨ A treatment plan that supports your whole life

HS affects every part of you. Your care should, too.

IAHSN Is Here to Help

At IAHSN, we are committed to:

• Expanding mental health support in the HS community
• Providing coaching and peer connections
• Advocating for accessible emotional care resources
• Raising awareness that mental health IS healthcare

If you're struggling — we see you.
If you're hurting — we hear you.
If you need support — we are here to walk beside you.

Together, we fight for care that honors every part of the HS journey: body, mind, and spirit.