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Download the report - The Healing Foundation

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Denial and wishful thinking<br />

“…<strong>the</strong>re'll be a magic cure and it will be over…” (BB)<br />

“…I feel in denial of it, I just think, I just want to fight it psychologically and not<br />

think about it really…” (BB)<br />

Minimizing emotion<br />

Not disclosing <strong>the</strong> condition or <strong>the</strong> individual impact of it to wider family was <strong>report</strong>ed by<br />

several participants as a way of coping, ei<strong>the</strong>r from <strong>the</strong> fear of causing worry within <strong>the</strong> family<br />

or <strong>the</strong> fear of being stigmatized;<br />

“…I just don't want to worry <strong>the</strong>m because <strong>the</strong>y'll just worry for me and that is <strong>the</strong><br />

reason why I haven't told <strong>the</strong>m…” (BB)<br />

4. Social support<br />

Support came from family, friends, <strong>The</strong> Vitiligo Society, <strong>the</strong> Internet, and from dermatologists.<br />

4a. Seeing things differently and acceptance<br />

For some, <strong>the</strong>re was acceptance and assistance in generating positive illness<br />

representations:<br />

“…my husband has been brilliant and he just said, it wasn't, you know, it wasn't<br />

your own fault, it's just happened…” (BB)<br />

“…she's [a friend] so understanding, she said, you'll be you no matter what, so<br />

don't think about that because people accept you for what you are and if <strong>the</strong>y<br />

don't accept you for what you are <strong>the</strong>n, are <strong>the</strong>y a true friend and don't worry<br />

about it.” (BB)<br />

“I've got this friend at work and she's amazing…she goes if that were me, if I was<br />

going to meet somebody I'd say you ei<strong>the</strong>r take me as you are or you leave me.<br />

This is me accept it or lump it, but I can't do that.” (GG)<br />

147

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