Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can flare up at seemingly inopportune times. While the worst of its symptoms are usually manageable with medical intervention, the condition can still impact both physical and mental health. As such, you may be unsure how to help a loved one who was recently diagnosed with the condition. Below are a few ways you can help your loved one cope.

How to Help a Loved One Cope With Lupus 

1. Research the Condition 

Educating yourself about lupus will serve two purposes. First, it will allow you to discuss the symptoms, possible prognoses, and potential treatment modalities with confidence when your loved one is ready to talk about them. Second, it will provide some insight into what they’re going through. You may never fully understand what it’s like to be diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease, but reading about other people’s experiences can certainly provide perspective. 

2. Facilitate Follow-ups

Those who have lupus must visit various specialists periodically for treatment. Failing to stay on top of these appointments will make it much harder to combat symptoms when flareups occur. Therefore, you can accompany your loved one to every scheduled visit.

3. Provide a Symptom Log 

Recording symptoms allows those with lupus to identify the specific triggers that contribute to the worst of their flareups. Some of the most common triggers include infection, sun exposure, physical injury, and emotional stress. Depending on how tech-savvy your relative is, you can either give them a journal for logging symptoms, or you can download an intuitive note-taking app on their mobile device.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, turn to Integrative Medicine of New York, PLLC. Located in Westbury, NY, this state-of-the-art practice is proud to help patients thrive. For more than 35 years, they've focused on treating cancer and conditions that affect the immune system. To learn more about the autoimmune disease treatments they provide, visit their website. To make an appointment with one of their friendly practitioners, call (516) 759-4200.