May 31, 2023
The Connection Between Lupus and Mental Health
Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect many different parts of the body. While most people are aware of the physical symptoms of lupus – such as joint pain and fatigue – fewer people are familiar with the connection between lupus and mental health. Living with lupus can be incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally. The chronic pain and fatigue associated with the disease can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks, leading to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and even depression. Additionally, the medications used to treat lupus can have side effects that affect mental health, including mood swings and anxiety.
The exact relationship between lupus and mental health is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the chronic inflammation and immune system dysfunction associated with the disease. The stress of living with a chronic illness can also often contribute to a patient’s mental health. In recent years, research has begun to shed light on the connection between lupus and mental health, showing that depression and anxiety are more common among lupus patients than in the general population. Additionally, lupus patients who experience depression or anxiety tend to have more severe symptoms and a poorer quality of life than those without these conditions.
Fortunately, there are many resources available to help lupus patients manage their mental health. Support groups, therapy, and mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga can be effective in reducing stress and improving mood. In some cases, medications may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. If you or someone you know is living with lupus, it’s important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. By seeking out support and treatment for mental health issues, those with lupus can improve their quality of life and better manage their condition. Take a look at the free resources below that you can tap into to prioritize your mental health and wellbeing:
From Meditation to Medication: Top Apps for Supporting Your Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and in today’s world, there are many apps available that can help you manage your mental health more effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 apps for managing mental health conditions.
1. Headspace: Headspace is a popular meditation app that provides guided meditations, breathing exercises, and other tools to help you manage stress and anxiety. It’s great for those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. App Store | Google Play Store
2. Calm: Calm is another popular meditation app that provides guided meditations, sleep stories, and other relaxation exercises to help you manage stress and anxiety. It’s great for people who have trouble sleeping or who struggle with general anxiety. App Store | Google Play Store
3. Happify: Happify is an app that provides evidence-based activities and games to help you build resilience and manage stress. It’s great for people who struggle with depression or who want to improve their overall emotional wellbeing. App Store | Google Play Store
4. BetterHelp: Like Talkspace, BetterHelp provides online access to licensed therapists for counseling on a variety of mental health issues.
5. Moodfit: Moodfit is an app that provides personalized mental health support based on your individual needs and goals. It includes features such as mood tracking, guided meditations, and a virtual coach to help you stay on track. App Store | Google Play Store
6. Talkspace: Talkspace is a teletherapy app that provides access to licensed therapists for individual counseling sessions. It’s great for people who prefer the convenience of online therapy or who have difficulty accessing in-person mental health services. App Store | Google Play Store
7. Sanvello: Sanvello is a mental health app that provides evidence-based tools for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. It includes features such as guided meditations, cognitive-behavioral therapy exercises, and a journaling tool to help you track your progress. App Store | Google Play Store
8. Wysa: Wysa is a chatbot app that provides emotional support and mental health coaching through artificial intelligence. It’s great for people who want to improve their mental health but may not be comfortable with traditional therapy. App Store | Google Play Store
9. Youper: Youper is a mental health app that uses artificial intelligence to provide personalized mental health support. It includes features such as mood tracking, cognitive-behavioral therapy exercises, and an AI-powered chatbot to provide emotional support. App Store | Google Play Store
10. 7 Cups: 7 Cups is an app that provides free emotional support and counseling through trained volunteers. It’s great for people who need emotional support but may not have access to traditional mental health services. App Store | Google Play Store
11. Faces of Health: The Faces of Health app teaches you skills that work and are based on the science of our brains. You will gain access to knowledge and tools produced by decades of neuroscience research. Skills training available includes: Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Reduction, Diaphragmatic Breathing for Vagal Toning (i.e., Vagus Nerve Stimulation), Alternate Nostril Breathing and Other Breathwork Exercises for Focus or Relaxation, EMDR Bilateral Tapping, EFT Energy Tapping, Chair-Yoga Range of Motion Exercises for Fascia Softening, Brainspotting self-spotting Exercises, Grounding meditations and more. Google Play Store
FREE PATIENT RESOURCES FROM LUPUS LA
Lupus Support Groups: Lupus LA’s global Virtual Support Groups are here to help you learn more about lupus and how to cope with managing this illness. Being truly supported is a powerful feeling that many people with lupus long to have, and joining a support group can help you enormously in managing this unpredictable chronic illness. Our monthly support group sessions are free and open to the public. Learn more at lupusla.org/supportgroups.
1:1 Patient Support: Did you know that Lupus LA offers 1-on-1 support to lupus patients? Navigating healthcare and social service bureaucracies are not easy tasks – and we’re here to help. Whether you’re a newly diagnosed patient or need assistance navigating resources, our team can help you:
✔️ Find the right doctor (and specialists)
✔️ Get the most from your medical team
✔️ Prepare for doctor visits and navigate resources
✔️ Understand patient rights and responsibilities
✔️ And More…
If you or someone you care about has lupus – you are not alone. Reach out to our virtual care coordinator at info@lupusla.org.
MENTAL HEALTH VIDEO RESOURCES FROM LUPUS LA
🎥 Lupus & The Mind Body Health Connection with lupus patient and psychologist, Dr. Monica Blied
🎥 Mental Health & Wellness Tips with Joy Baldridge, CSP, CPC, CVP
🎥 Navigating Holiday Stress: Live Expert Q&A with lupus patient and psychologist, Dr. Monica Blied
GUIDED MEDITATIONS FOR LUPUS PATIENTS
NAVIGATING LUPUS & GRIEF
🎥 Anticipatory Grief and Lupus | Live Expert Q&A with Support Group facilitator, Ruth Padilla-King
🎥 Grief & Loss | Live Expert Q&A with Jill Johnson-Young, LCSW
Managing your mental health while living with lupus is important, and with the help of resources like these, it’s possible to improve your emotional wellbeing and overall quality of life. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new mental health management regimen. Remember, you are not alone on your lupus journey!
