Impact of emotional trauma on your face

[Allshallbewell2021]

Looking for supportive responses, ideally.....!
I had a big shock at the beginning of the month and am dealing with some sudden change and loss, not health related. I don't really want to go into the details at the moment.
But what has shocked me is the impact on my face, my skin is really blotchy and a bit spotty, the skin around my eyes is grey, I look a bit shocking, honestly.
Careful makeup lessens the impact but I'm amazed at how strongly it has 'hit me in the face', as it were.
I have slept much less well too.
Has anyone else has this? It's making me feel very self conscious when I've never been self conscious about my looks at all, never been focused on them particularly. Just interested to know whether this will pass - rationally I guess it could get better! Thanks

This is definitely a thing, but is generally temporary ime. After a close family loss my skin looked awful, spotty and sallow, my period was delayed by weeks too. Same happened after an awful break up. In my case, I think it was a combination of the shock as well as other factors like not sleeping, not eating properly, and just generally not functioning at 100%. I’m sorry you’re having a bad time and I hope it gets better soon x people say to be gentle with yourself and in the moment I never really know what means, but things like a nice long bath, using some nice products on yourself and going to bed early with a fruit tea and a good book are all things that will help you feel a bit better and that will definitely have a knock on effect on how you look.

I'm sorry for your pain, I too am suffering something. Covid hasn't helped, combined I've lost weight suddenly and its all from my face. I look sad and defeated x

Thank you both. I almost don't recognize myself in the mirror - the dark circles around my eyes look so grim. But I think rest, exercise, looking after myself is the thing - and avoiding mirrors for a bit 😆 🧛

All the best to you both as well x

I believe this to be true.

I have aged horribly in one year after my ex assaulted me and I found out about his massive debt and affairs. I was consumed with fear, worry and distress for months. Grinding teeth. Sleeping badly.

I was really spotty, am now jowly and my lines between my eyebrows are now so deep. Really marked change over a short period of time. I do wonder if I will ever look attractive again.

I have started weight training and running because I hope if I have a stronger, fitter body it could help. And also help me eliminate cortisol in my body.

Thank you Blasted.
What a frightening experience. I am determined to try to do more physically to help turn this around a bit if I can. Wishing you all the best. X

I think it's the sleep, or lack of. It makes a massive difference to how I feel about myself even if maybe the actual difference isn't so obvious to others.

Thanks TheOG, that makes sense. I go to bed and get to sleep but if I wake in the night I just go over and over it in my mind and can't get back off. I sometimes think I've dreamt it all then realise it's not a nightmare, it's what I've got to face in the morning.