Lupus Awareness Month: Living with autoimmune diseases

October is Lupus Awareness Month, and as someone who sees and understands the impact of Lupus, I wanted to raise awareness of the autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases are illnesses in which the immune system, which is supposed to protect you, attacks your body. For most autoimmune diseases, there is no cure. Those suffering from them are forced to endure the impact and pain daily.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that impacts my family's daily life. But here in the UK, it isn't one I hear about often.

As October is Lupus Awareness Month, I wanted to raise awareness of the chronic illness, building on my previous blog posts. So, here are some general tips for life with Lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

I also just want to state that I'm not a medical professional. These tips are based on my knowledge and understanding of Lupus and the impact it has on those suffering from it.

Create an evening routine

One of the major symptoms of Lupus is fatigue. Now, I'm not just talking about waking up early and feeling like you could use a 20-minute nap.

I mean exhaustion, deep in your bones, that it hurts you to push through and carry on. This is caused by Lupus, but it's also caused by Lupus's other main symptom: joint and muscle pain.

Getting a good night's sleep can be challenging when you have an autoimmune disease, especially if you're having a flare-up. However, by creating an evening routine, you can wind down before bed and put yourself in the best position to get some rest.

Whether it's having a warm shower and snuggling up in pyjamas with a cup of tea, or sitting in bed and reading a couple of chapters, it can help. Find what you enjoy and what calms you down, and hopefully that'll ease your mind and body to help you sleep.

Find comfort at home

With a lot of autoimmune diseases, especially Lupus, you can end up spending a lot of time at home. Sometimes, it's by choice, but other times, it's because your body won't let you go out and enjoy yourself.

Therefore, by finding comfort at home, you can make your time within the same four walls more enjoyable.

This could be adding some decor to your rooms that you like, making a cosy atmosphere with fairy lights and candles, and showcasing family photos to remind you of happy times. Anything that brings you comfort, bring it to the forefront of your house so the next time your body won't let you out, it can be a comforting day indoors.

Pick up a hobby

Having an autoimmune disease can often stop you from doing things other people do. For instance, the gym can be challenging, exploring historic sites that require a lot of walking is difficult and spending the entire day somewhere is hard.

However, picking up a hobby can give you something back.

Whether it's cross-stitch, drawing, reading, etc., having a hobby can help those with autoimmune diseases, like Lupus. I know a Lupus sufferer who loves to cross-stitch, and it helps her a lot daily.

Having a hobby that you enjoy and one that you can do easily and from a lot of places can give you something to focus on. Something to be proud of that doesn't necessarily require a lot of energy or movement.

Whatever you choose, just make sure you enjoy it.

Banish the guilt

Now, this is probably the toughest tip to put into place because banishing guilt isn't easy. But what I mean is that when you're feeling guilty for not working, or staying in bed all day, or resting in the living room because your body hurts, don't.

It's easier said than done, but it isn't your fault that your body is attacking itself and causing you harm. And you need to realise that punishing yourself by feeling guilty won't help make you feel any better.

So, the next time you're feeling guilty for giving your body time to rest and recuperate, try and remember that it isn't your fault and your body needs the rest in order to feel better.

I hope that if you have Lupus or other autoimmune diseases that these tips can help you. It isn't easy living with constant pain and medication, but leaning on your family and finding things that bring you joy can help.

Lupus UK also have some great tips and resources for those diagnosed with Lupus.

Until next time...