Mental Health with Chronic Illness

I had a situation recently that really triggered me. I was browsing some forums when I stumbled across a very sad post from a person that had been severely struggling with their lupus, and they said that they felt like life was now pointless because they were so fed up.

I knew exactly where that person was coming from, and I felt compelled to reach out to them because I hoped that I could perhaps, in some small way, make a difference to them.

Not enough support

I have walked in those same shoes as I’m sure many lupus warriors that are reading this right now have done also. It’s in those moments of darkness where we feel that life seems to be on top of us that it can feel totally overwhelming and even not worth living at times.

I have always believed that there is not enough support out there for people living with long-term chronic illnesses, and I’m not talking about physical help – I’m talking about mental health and how there are so many facets of living with a chronic illness that can affect a person.

Mental health with lupus

I have found some of these issues can include..

• Coping with the physical effects of illness
• Dealing with the grief and loss of the old self and way of life
• Financial strains and struggles
• Strain on relationships
• Isolation
• Coping with side effects of medications (which can sometimes affect our metal health)
• Low self-esteem and loss of confidence

The mind and body are intertwined, and when one becomes out of whack, the other often follows.

Taking that first step

I have written in a previous article about how lupus has affected my own mental health, and of course it’s not always pleasant doing so. But I find it so rewarding to think that by wearing my heart on my sleeve and opening myself up to share my experiences, it offers a beacon of hope to others that might be struggling on a similar path that I was on.

I also absolutely love the role of an advocate, and this also shows others that I want to help and be there for them.

It is so incredibly important to talk to someone if you are experiencing changes in mood and feeling low. It can often feel difficult to take that first step and reach out, but it is crucial to getting the help you need. In some cases, it’s all that’s required, and it’s just a case of ‘offloading’ which can help to release many burdens. It doesn’t always have to be a medical professional, perhaps a friend or family member that’s understanding.

Just like the person on the forum did, it was their way of saying ‘Look, I’m really struggling here, I need some help’.

Seeking help

If you are feeling particularly low, then I would always highly recommend seeking medical help with your doctor or rheumatologist. In some cases, we may need to look at other therapies, such as counselling or even being prescribed antidepressants, which can have positive impacts and drastically improve mood.

My personal favourite is meditation, as it’s completely natural and it has so many health benefits!

Love and support is out there

In conclusion, I feel like I may have hopefully helped this person and that they’ve hopefully realised that life is now worth living again. Hard times and feelings always pass, especially with good support by your side! It was beautiful to see the amount of replies that this person received, there was so much love and support out there for them.

If you or a loved one are struggling, consider reading our mental health resources.