Anyone have advice on levels of depression before/after flares? does anyone have headaches/depression stead of their usual symptoms?

[Tinae12]

Can we have head flares?

[Tigerlily4]

Headaches, migraines and/or depression are all normal symptoms of SLE (unfortunately). The brain, like any other part of our bodies, can come under attack and become inflamed. When this happens, it has limited ways in which to respond and the symptoms you mention are pretty much par for the course so, yes, we can have "head flares" - which I thought was very well put! Hope that helps Tinae x

[Wendy39]

Hi. I have never heard the term head flares but what you have both said makes sense. I was diagnosed in November last year and am on hydroxychloroquine, which had a great effect on my skin problems quite quickly but I am left with headaches/migraine, depression and exhaustion. I'm hoping this will ease soon! I hope you are feeling better soon.

[Tigerlily4 in reply to Wendy39]

You too Wendy : ) x

[Tinae12]

Thanks both - its all so confusing and such hard work to keep positive so getting recognition is a relief.

[mstr]

Hi, I always have depression before a 'bigger' flare up and when it hits I know just to roll with it. I know it will pass and it seems more of a clinical thing as I know I am not depressed. It's usually before a flare and not after it. What I feel after a flare is more of a lupus has hold of me and I just have to go with it rather than fight it....so perhaps this in itself causes us to feel a bit lower? Hope this helps.

[joannebond360]

Depression and anxiety are the first sign of a flare for me. Passes with the flare. I can relax a bit more in it now where as before I got myself in a right state. Tried anti depressents a few times but they are just not for me. Depression lifts with the flare.

Jo x