Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with Lupus for years, having a chronic illness like Lupus can take a toll on your mental health. According to a 2017 study, 1 in 4 Lupus patients have signs of depression and 40% of Lupus patients have anxiety. However Lupus affects your mental health, know that you aren’t alone. This page includes hotlines, therapists, support groups and other mental health resources for Lupus patients and their loved ones.
If you are having a medical emergency or mental health crisis, please go to your local emergency room or call 911.
Hotlines
- LupusLine®: Speak with a trained volunteer who has Lupus.
- Chronic Illness Hotline: A support text line for anyone with a chronic illness. Text “care” to 202-596-6520.
- HelpGuide provides a list of mental health hotlines in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, the Philippines, and South Africa.
Therapists, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists
- Psychology Today has a mental healthcare provider directory where you can search for a therapist, teletherapy, psychiatrist, treatment center, or support group by your city or zip code. You can browse by issues, including chronic illness and chronic pain, insurance, gender, types of therapy, age, price, ethnicity served, sexually, language, and faith.
- BetterHelp or Talkspace: Get matched with a licensed therapist to speak to via video chat, phone, or online chat. For additional online therapy options, check out Best Online Therapy Services from VeryWell Mind.
Lupus Support Groups and Communities
- Lupus Foundation of America National Network: National and state-based online support groups for people with Lupus.
- Lupus Foundation of Northern California: Regionally hosted virtual Lupus support groups.
- Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus: Although typically hosted in Portland, OR, Kaleidoscope is currently hosting their monthly Lupus support group on Zoom every second Saturday of each month.
- Lupus Warriors: A Facebook-based support group for those diagnosed with Lupus or those that know someone that battles this disease.
- Inspire: LupusConnect: An online Lupus support and discussion community.
- MyLupusTeam: A free Lupus social network
- Healing Well: A support forum for Lupus patients.
- Smart Patients Lupus Community: An online community for Lupus patients and their families.
Educational Resources
- Lupus and depression: Know the signs and how to get help from the Lupus Foundation of America
- Lupus, Emotional Stress, and Depression: What You Need to Know from Everyday Health
- Lupus and Mental Health Concerns from WebMD
- Lupus and Your Emotions from Hospital for Special Surgery
LupusChick Blog Posts
- Managing Life With Lupus by Focusing on What I Can Control by Emily Carroll
- Keep Thinking You’re Not Good Enough? You’re Wrong. by Cassandra Ewert
- Music Therapy and Chronic Pain by Erika Kaiser
- Affirmations for Depression: 5 You Can Use Today by Cassandra Ewert
- How to Provide Hope to Someone with a Chronic Illness by Emily J. Maurits
- Finding Your Voice (and Tribe) Through Support Groups & Circles by Donna Oram, MSW, ACSW
- Grieving our Pre-Chronic Illness Lives by Donna Oram, MSW, ACSW
- How to Help Ourselves in the Midst of a Health Crisis by Donna Oram, MSW, ACSW
- Finding a New Sense of Self Through Community by Ruth Wilson
- Chronic Illness and the Journey to Acceptance by Donna Oram, MSW, ACSW
- How To Practice Mindfulness For Chronic Pain by Nicole Ashley Chuba
Other Resources
- Living Life To The Full: Reclaim Your Life: A free online course that teaches people with a long-term health condition Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to get their lives back.
- Mind Remake Project: Offers free printable mental health worksheets, handouts, workbooks, and manuals.
- Chronically Fabulous: Finding Wholeness and Hope Living with Chronic Illness by Marisa Zeppieri
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