"Replace fear-based thinking with love-based thinking. Every time you're making a choice, ask yourself if it's going to cultivate the experience of unity and love or the experience of separation and stress." – Deepak Chopra

We all experience fear. When it comes to living with a chronic condition like eczema, fear can manifest in many ways.

Sometimes our initial diagnosis gives us fears about our quality of life. Dealing with the realities of our "new normal," with eczema can put us in a chronically fearful state of mind. Will I have a flare today? Will I be able to attend to my daily tasks itch-free? Fear about outcomes that are beyond our control can facilitate fear taking root.

"I finally came to realize that my fears about having eczema and what that could potentially mean were ADDING to my pain. Once I consciously decided to relieve myself of that burden I could better focus on managing my eczema." – Member of MyEczemaTeam

Here are recent conversations from MyEczemaTeam:

• "Feeling better, more on the mend. Have been dealing with chronic back pain along with this ENDLESS itching, but I'm feeling strong and on top of it instead of miserable and crying!"
• "To those out there suffering I know how bad it can be, so many sleepless nights scratching and crying and thinking how can I go on another minute in this sufferable existence! But finally, after a flare-up that lasted from November 2017 to current day, I have made some lifestyle changes and am seeing and feeling real change and healing!"
• "I’m grateful at the end of the day to know I have resources and support in this fight and I know I can use it to educate when my students ask 'what’s that?'"

Dealing with fear will look different for everyone. Sometimes it means arguing with our intrusive thoughts. Sometimes it looks like meditating to clear the mind.
How do you stop fear from taking over? Join the conversation below.