Another TSW anniversary DONE!!
I obviously knew what today was, but I literally had to do a quick mental count to work out how many years it’s been since I started my wild & transformative path down the road of TSW. It’s a path that none of us have a map for, and so for most of it we are in literal & metaphorical darkness, scrabbling about for answers that we only find as we keep putting one foot in front of the other.
12 years ago today I Googled something like ‘addicted to steroid cream’ and changed my life. Even writing that sentence, a lump has formed in my throat. It will always move me because at the time I didn’t know the impact that decision would have.
I think most of us can handle some physical pain, but the true agony of this process is the fact that we don’t know when the pain will end. Then, when the physical pain ends, that is usually when the mental symptoms really kick in.
We are living in a very strange period of time where there is no room for discussion or debate which is so sad. I found myself withdrawing from this online space that is so precious to me because my experience of giving it time and sharing my opinions on eczema associations etc became something controversial, but I would like to share my message today because giving it time was the best thing I ever did for myself and whether you agree with me or not, this is what I did to get better. I didn’t use a magic product, drug, or take out five different food groups… I literally gave it time - that is it, and to anyone trying to navigate this mostly loving but sometimes toxic and intense space, I urge you to use it with caution, and before connecting online, take some time to reconnect with yourself. Until we get any kind of unbiased research on this, your gut voice is the most valuable guide at your disposal, so listen to it.
To anyone suffering right now, you don’t deserve this, you didn’t use the medication wrong, you don’t have a damn phobia of steroids - AND, most importantly, this is not your fault.
Free yourself from the fear of the what if and doubt and try to focus on today. You’ve absolutely got this and I’m sending you all my love <3
Cara xxx