A recent NRS survey about the emotional and mental effects rosacea patients experience reveals that the chronic disorder’s impact extends well beyond its physical signs and symptoms.

Of the 703 patients who responded, 91% said rosacea affected their mental health, with 20% reporting the disease affected their mental well-being all the time, and a further 28% saying it had a frequent effect.

Asked to describe the emotions they experienced as a result of rosacea, embarrassment (81% of respondents) and frustration (72%) led all others. A little over half reported experiencing anxiety, 46% felt helplessness, 38% experienced depression, 30% reported feeling isolated, and 24% felt anger because of their condition.

While rosacea inspires challenging emotions, respondents also shared what they do to handle them. The most common technique was talking to friends and family, with 43% of respondents claiming to do so. Others sought support and solutions through social media forums and other groups (19%), meditation (16%), therapy (13%), and even journaling (9%). However, more than 30% claim to do “nothing,” suggesting many patients may be unaware of these methods or lack adequate support systems.

While none of the above methods were practiced by all respondents, two-thirds reported they were at least somewhat effective in improving mental well-being. Effective rosacea therapy also had a positive impact on mental wellness for 67% of survey participants.

For rosacea patients, mental and physical wellness are both high priorities. The survey suggests discussing one’s emotional state with a physician should be part of a patient’s ongoing treatment.