What's the best way of getting help with depressi... - LUPUS UK
What's the best way of getting help with depression and anxiety caused by lupus and life events? Are there any lupus groups in London?
I'd be interested to hear others' answers to this. Depression is how it started for me but recently I have had really bad anxiety. I definitely need to find some coping techniques. I am also in London and would like to know if there are any groups nearby 
Hi both, not sure about treatment options where you are but my GP offered and provided me with a 6wk course of CBT on a 1-1 basis with a counsellor at our surgery. It did help at the time to come to terms with the diagnosis and the consequences of having SLE. As for the group in your area, I would imagine there is one, check on the lupus uk website, they usually give contact details etc..
All the best.
I'm going back to lupus doctor soon I feel I've had 6-7 years worth of this and need help. I can't cope with the random ups and downs. Friendships and relationships tend to fall away. I can't get healthy and eat right, when I'm down I eat a lot!!! And it's time to hold a job down and try and accept and learn how to deal with things. It's a vicious cycle . X
Oh bless you kaw86, I can totally relate to the eating poorly when low, but I've just recently re-joined slimming world (no advert intended) and basically am enjoying eating healthily and losing a few pounds which in turn has improved my mood and made me feel more positive.
But do speak to someone about this, you're right it is a vicious cycle and a difficult one to kick.
Take care and seek help, but also keep using this site for support.
Hi kaw86, I have had lupus for many years now, and am slowly starting to ADMIT to myself that sometimes I am depressed. Things seem to be such a big problem to me, more with relationships than say for instance, the car won't start. I seem to want everyone to be happy and well, but real life is not so perfect. If my son/daughter/ or husband, have any issues, I act like it's the end of the world sometimes. !!!! I even think I would be better off if I lived on my own. It's as if my head cannot deal with any stress at all, and I get anxious if I think there might be stress over something. Before I was diagnosed and on the 'treadmill', of being disbelieved, Drs would say I must be depressed. For me to see a Dr now and say, I do have some depression, is just not in my vocabulary. Lucky for me, I don't work so have not got that added stress, but I do share your other concerns. I'm not like it all the time and am usually cheery, but I do admit I stopped being positive about this disease a long time ago.
Wow...6161...you sound a lot like me lately. I can't handle the littlest things sometimes, and get that depression talk where I just want to move out and go into the wilderness and be alone with nature! Ha! I also think my family would be better off without me around. I won't go on anti depressants. Been there, done that...made me worse and didn't like the side effects. The best I can do is take one day at a time and hope I will feel better tomorrow and try my best not to get scared. I woke up today with a very tight and painful neck. The other day I sat and felt my shoulder pain all day long. I should have gotten up and done something or moved, but then you feel your too tired to do that...kaw86...I feel your pain...I have been depressed and anxious my entire life. I just realize now that it will pass. And if it doesn't, something needs to change to bring joy back into our lives. I have been praying to God for guidance daily. I wish I had the answers for this one. I go for walks with my friend and we talk. A lot of times that helps. Fresh air is good. Find things you love and do them. I am taking up my stained glass again. I started very slow and moving slow through it. I don't pressure myself or feel guilt anymore. I am more patient and loving with myself than I have ever been, or anyone has ever been to me. I hope you feel better soon...
Natura thank you I'm going to the Dr this Friday about anxiety depression,I don't like being around negativityAnnie whole lot of people,this is different for me so I'm gaining weight was overweight before lupus lost weight started new medication now bigger. I do believe God for my healing. Stress is my problem had to quit my job cause of lupus my family is not doing well just with basic bills everything will be cut off if God don't bless our financial my husband i feel sorry for him at times i want to yell and complain but I don't want to encourage not make matters worse. Lord Bridal my tongue. Everyone that believe in the power of prayers please pray right now for my family and I will pray for everyone thanks.
Earlonda....praying for you and your family right now. I understand what you are going through. My family has been struggling financially since the beginning. I am trying my best to keep positive and stay away from negative thoughts. I take lemon balm supplement if I am really bad, or go straight to bed I seem to be in a panic anytime something bad happens..like my daughter finding a tick on her the other day when she already got lymes as a little girl from one..try your best to be strong...I do my best everyday for my family. I take passionflower for anxiety. Bach rescue pastille for natural stress relief. My daughter uses them when she panics about school or a test. Works real well. Take care...
I'm one if those very lucky people who had never suffered from depression or anxiety and had just navigated my way through life without any real issues. Apart from SLE of course. That is until I started this flare in December. OMG! what a shock I'm stressed writing this. My family do not recognise the person I have become, anxiety and stress are my middle names! I cry at anything nice on TV and the dog just has to give me a cuddle and I'm off. I am finding that things are getting a bit better as my health has started to improve again, I'm hoping that it is going to continue.
Hi kaw86
I too suffer from anxiety and depression and take anti depressants, beta blockers for anxiety as my heart beats violently and very fast and I also have weekly counselling. I'm not sure I'd cope without it all. I've suffered from anxiety for years now which my rheumy says is lupus related. I would strongly recommend counselling as I find it invaluable.
As for support groups in the London area paul the administrator may be able to help. Good luck. X
Anxiety and depression can be caused by the lupus itself - I find that when I'm more or less stable, I'm not anxious. I'm not the soul of the party either (how can we be living with this) but at least I'm not down.
But - the moment a flare kicks up my anxiety levels increase, I have a constant feeling of doom, not only in relation to myself but my family too and I get really spiky with everyone.
Having said that, this disease and its unpredictability frustrates me no end regardless of whether I'm in a flare or stable. Talking about how you feel makes a world of difference (I'm grateful for this forum) so your idea about going to group meetings is a valid one. Counselling through your GP referral may also help.
Just how I feel sometimes. Yes it was good for me to just write it on here. I feel unloaded already. Long may you good people be here to support or commiserate.
Im the same too dont feel like I have anywhere to turn to for help, im a slimming world member to (no ad intended) ive noticed when im down I put on then when I feel settled I start losing, its like a constant battle
Hi Kaw86,
Have you spoken to your GP about how you are feeling? They may even be able to suggest some options for you.
We have two London groups one in the North of London and the other in the South. Can i ask what area of London you are from? If you would like i can also put you into contact with people living with lupus within your area so you have someone to talk to over the phone. Just send me a quick email i can then provide you with the their information. hayley@lupusuk.org.uk
Alternatively, please feel free to call us here on 01708 731251 and we will be more than happy to have a chat with you.
Take care,
Hayley
LUPUS UK
Hiya Hayley , I live in London se21 8rg is there any support groups where I live as I am at my wits end with my lupus and how I am feeling , sandy.macleod@ntlworld.com
I had a panic attack at work yesterday. I was sent home, I can't let this control me. So I would love to know if there's any groups in east London Stratford city area. I'm going to my gp tomo and for now trying to figure out ways of relaxing and destressing. It's kinda hard but I want to be positive and go back to work! X
Hi Kaw86,
I'm sorry to see that you are finding things hard at the moment. I have a Regional Co-ordinator who may know of any group meetings around your area which i will be more than happy put you into contact with, if you could just send me a quick email i can then send you their details.
hayley@lupusuk.org.uk
Best wishes,
Hayley
LUPUS UK
