Fishing For A Cure

One thing that has worked for managing my mental health dealing with HS has been the outdoors. I spent so much time in doctor's offices, emergency rooms, at home in pain, I was always behind closed doors.

I found my passion for fishing at a young age, I always love to get out in the outdoors and cast my line whether catching a fish or not it was always peaceful. After years of dealing with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, I found that it was causing lots of mental struggles. Trapped indoors fighting a condition that gave no warning and hindered me with so much pain, it was hard to even think about going outdoors again and enjoying myself. My grandmother told me "Where there's a will, there's a way" that alone pressed me to get up get out and start enjoying myself.

Was my mental health one of my triggers?

I started going fishing a lot more with friends, family, and even by myself, and it actually started preventing my skin from worsening and breaking out more. My energy started to actually come back and I had a certain glow to me again, at least that's what people said. It was then when I learned that my mental health played a major factor with my body and could be one of my triggers.

Of course, I can't go fishing every single day of my life 24/7, but every chance I get I try to get outdoors whether it's fishing, walking a trail, hunting, or just at the park with my kids. Anytime you can find what triggers your skin to flare up and lay you down in excruciating pain is a major win living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa. I encourage everyone to get out in the outdoors and find what balances you, makes you happy, and keeps your soul at peace. It's a physical battle and can be discouraging at times, but baby steps will get you there before you know it.

Making time for myself

For myself, I started out by being happy making it to the porch or balcony just to appreciate the view and get fresh air. It was definitely a lot better than being cooped up in my bedroom all day living inside my head trying to figure out how to get rid of Hidradenitis Suppurativa. It created a fight inside me I never knew I had, and before I knew it I was at the river launching my boat myself, sitting in duck blinds shooting ducks, and so many more outdoor activities that my body would permit me to do.

Despite Hidradenitis Suppurativa still living in my body, surgeries, doctors appointment's, and my daily struggles, I make sure to take some time for myself and connect to what keeps me both physically and mentally balanced to ensure I have everything in me to fight for my skin. If you haven't already found something that takes your mind off the pain and makes you happy at the same time, don't be afraid to get out there and try. Nature alone has proven to me over and over again that I can get through this. WE GOT THIS! #HSSTANDUP