Lupus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease caused by the hyperactivity of the immune system, which attacks healthy tissue. The condition leads to inflammation and pain, which can range from mild to severe. Medical consultation and care are necessary for patients to lead a healthy life. It affects multiple organs, so patients can experience a wide range of symptoms like a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, abnormal blood clotting, fever, anemia, headaches, and extreme fatigue.
However, treatment, a healthy diet, and some lifestyle tips can help lupus patients cope with these issues. Here are some mental health issues that might crop up due to a weakened immune system and some measures to deal with them:
1. The possibility of developing mental health issues
Rashes on the face might lead to low confidence, and weight gain is also common among lupus patients. Symptoms like these might lead patients to develop mental health issues as it affects their self-esteem and the patient might begin to withdraw from social settings.
2. Constant pain
The pain associated with the disease can be another major setback as it leads to patients being unable to carry out their daily chores and activities without help. This inability to do things that they were able to carry out easily earlier leads to frustration, and the pain tires them down both emotionally and physically. Mental health issues might also develop due to this.
3. Isolation
Patients might begin to isolate themselves from others and withdraw from events or gatherings because of anxiety. Also, physical appearance might become a bother, leading to low self-confidence and self-esteem.
4. Anxiety
Chronic pain due to the condition leads to anxiety about the future, and patients might also face difficulty performing daily activities. They might want to be independent, but they will need help for even the slightest actions like picking up groceries from the nearest store. Following some lifestyle tips is beneficial for lupus patients, like getting help for cooking and cleaning and freelancing for work, which will enable them to be independent as well.
5. Difficulty in managing relationships
Patients may find it difficult to manage their relationships with people, like family and friends. Additionally, it becomes even more difficult to manage the family if the symptoms of the condition do not manifest outwardly. This makes it difficult for the patient to make others understand what they are facing, which might lead them to lose confidence. The family might also not support or encourage the patient to fight the disease if they don’t see any symptoms manifest.
6. Mood swings and personality dissonance
People suffering from lupus might have issues with mental health as they tend to suffer from depression and anxiety. However, regular exercise is a great way to boost mood and relieve stress as well. Following healthy lifestyle tips and eating the right kind of food is extremely important for lupus patients to manage the condition effectively.
