Depression & Anxiety

Discover the signs that may show you’re facing anxiety or depression—and that you should ask for help. Know that you’re not alone and help is available.

I couldn’t tell if I was just down, or if it was something much more serious. Thankfully, I got help.

Anxiety is more than temporary worry. It’s a mental and physical response to the fear of something. It includes tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes (such as increased blood pressure). Symptoms can interfere with daily activities, such as work, school, and relationships.

37%

Studies show around 37% of people living with lupus face anxiety.

Depression is serious and causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed—affecting how you feel, think, and act. Symptoms can be mild to severe and include:

Feeling sad
Loss of interest
Weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Loss of energy
Increase in purposeless physical activity (such as hand-wringing or pacing)

Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Slowed movements and speech
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide

Talk with your doctor right away if you are feeling any of these symptoms.

50%

Around half of people with lupus deal with major depressive disorder.

View Dr. Betsy’s Transcript

ON-SCREEN TEXT:

Us in Lupus

We’re better together.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:

Dr. Betsy Bennett

Clinical Health Psychologist

DR. BETSY BENNETT:

Lupus is such a tricky disease.

The symptoms can be hard to interpret. So it’s easy to ask yourself questions about … well, is this related to lupus? Is this in my head?

And those questions are natural to have.

When things are the emotions that we’re experiencing, we can mistakenly disregard them.

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“When things are the emotions that we’re experiencing, we can mistakenly disregard them.”

DR. BETSY BENNETT:

But it’s really important to mention how you’re feeling to your doctor, because anxiety and depression are also health conditions.

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“ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION ARE ALSO HEALTH CONDITIONS.”

DR. BETSY BENNETT:

They deserve your attention. You deserve to be happier.

Even if you’re not sure if what you have is actually anxiety or actually depression, that doesn’t matter.

If you’re having more of those feelings than you’re used to having, then it’s really important to talk to your doctor.

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“If you’re having more of those feelings than you’re used to having, then it’s really important to talk to your doctor.”

DR. BETSY BENNETT:

And if your doctor says, “Hey, you know, I’d like for you to speak with a counselor or therapist who I know has experience with lupus,” that’s a good thing.

And what many, many patients find is when they have an opportunity to speak with a counselor or therapist who really knows lupus or knows what it’s like to live with chronic diseases, that person can be an immense help …

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“THAT PERSON CAN BE AN IMMENSE HELP.”

DR. BETSY BENNETT:

… in helping you cope with a very difficult disease.

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Get the help you deserve. Talk to your doctor.

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Us in Lupus

We’re better together.

Mention it, so you can help manage it.

Depression and anxiety are real health conditions. If you’re feeling more down or anxious than usual, it’s important to mention it to your doctor. They can help you make sense of how you’re feeling and refer you to a mental health professional if necessary.

If you’ve felt down or very anxious for 2 weeks in a row, or the feelings are getting in the way of living your life, find help as soon as possible. This could be from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker. If you need a referral to a professional who may be able to help, ask your primary care doctor, your rheumatologist, or a local lupus organization.

Talk to someone now.

To speak with a counselor from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call them at 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides free, confidential support, 24/7 to anyone who needs it. Learn more at their website.

In addition to therapy, regular exercise (with your doctor’s approval), quality sleep on a regular basis, a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol can all help reduce symptoms of depression.

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Depression & Anxiety

Talk with your doctor right away if you are feeling any of these symptoms.

Talk to someone now.

Trying to keep up with your symptoms?

Learn more about these symptoms.