Non-Pharmacologic / Lifestyle
In people with psoriasis who are overweight or obese, there is some evidence that dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce weight may decrease severity of psoriasis and improve quality of life. Weight loss can also reduce the severity of symptoms from psoriatic arthritis. Regardless of disease status, maintaining a healthy weight and following recommended exercise guidelines can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/covid-19.html
https://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Find-A-Dietitian/Find-a-Dietitian.aspx?ref=ql
Provincial Call Centres with access to speak to a Registered Dietitian free of charge:
B.C. (8-1-1)
Alberta (8-1-1)
Saskatchewan 1-833-966-5541, or via email at eatwell@usask.ca
Manitoba (1-877-830-2892) or (204-788-8248)
Ontario (Telehealth Ontario) (1-866-797-0000)
Newfoundland and Labrador (8-1-1)
Two clinical trials have looked at whether fish oil supplementation can improve psoriasis severity, but did not find any benefit. If you would like to try using a natural health product or supplement, always consult with a health care provider first to ensure it does not interact with any other medications you are taking.
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves thin needles being inserted into the body with the goal of relieving pain. There is no evidence supporting its use in psoriatic arthritis.
Recent review of data does not support the use of medical cannabis, not only for psoriasis but for any other skin disease. As well, there is no data to support its use in psoriatic arthritis. Medical cannabis is not indicated for either of these or any other skin condition.
Yoga utilizes stretching, strengthening exercises, and meditation, and can be helpful for people with psoriatic arthritis. Yoga can reduce stress and improve sleep, and regular practice may reduce joint pain and improve range of motion. While almost anybody can participate in a beginner yoga program, it is important to check with your doctor or physiotherapist before starting an exercise program for the first time.
Many people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis find it therapeutic to discuss their condition in the safe space of a support group consisting of other people who are also living with psoriatic disease. There are also online message boards where patients can discuss their experience in an open environment, and connect with and befriend other patients with psoriatic disease. Support groups can be immensely helpful with managing both the physical and psychological burden of psoriatic disease, but it is important to not make changes to your treatment without first consulting a health care provider.
Online Support Group: https://www.inspire.com/groups/talk-psoriasis/
Websites
Mental Health & Substance Use Support, Wellness Together Canada
Find local Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Resources, CMHA National
BounceBack®, Skills to Improve your Mental Health – Canadian Mental Health Association
Short Mindfulness Meditations You Can Do Yourself, Shoppers Drug Mart
Taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, Government of Canada
Self-Compassion, Dr. Kristin Neff
Wellness Together Canada, Mental Health and Substance Use Support
How to Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Well Spring Counseling
Mental Health and the COVID Pandemic, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mental Health Commission of Canada
Online Programs
WellCan, Help when you need it. Where you need it. By Morneau Shepell
Online resource designed to provide Canadians with the tools and resources they may need to deal with the challenges of this pandemic, Mind Beacon
Online coaching program, 10 Days of Happiness
How to Manage COVID-19 Stress and Anxiety, Starlingminds.com
Bounce Back, Canadian Mental Health Association
Apps
PocketWell Mental Health App – Wellness Together Canada
App store: http://ow.ly/CTGR50HtHBe
Google Play: http://ow.ly/iyZV50HtHBf
Audio
Meditation recordings, Headspace
Telephone Support
Residential School Crisis Support – Wellness Together Canada
Indigenous Crisis Line & Chat – Wellness Together Canada
Contact Information for Mental Health – Mind Your Mind
Find Mental Health Help in Your Area – eMentalHealth
Canadian Crisis Lines, The Lifeline Canada Foundation
Kids Help Phone
Talk Suicide Canada
Last updated November, 2021