I eat plant based as well I have lost 30 pounds and am exercising 5 miles a day. I occasionally have bouts of depression but have found new hobbies painting writing and gardening and when I recognize symptoms coming on I try to stay focused on what I want out of life. When I am having a good day I tell my husband so he knows I have good days as well. I am not taking any medication for lupus at this time.

This isn't an easy journey and if medication and or therapy helps mitigate and/or relieve feelings of depression, do help yourself! It takes each person a while to figure out what will work for your life moving forward. This is what has helped me cope: I've learned to narrow my focus to the moment, hour and day at hand -which in many ways is a luxury and relieves anxiety. With Lupus, this is a necessity because we cannot necessarily predict what our energy level or health status will be from one day to the next. This also eliminates some of the sadness over unfulfilled expectations. I've told my loved ones who have expressed frustration with my condition when I have to change plans or cannot commit to something long range: "I don't expect you to understand what I'm feeling but I hope you care enough for me, our relationship and yourself to learn about autoimmune disease and Lupus." We are not responsible for the education, perceptions or reactions of others to our disease process. This realization was part of self-acceptance, preservation and "letting go" of old paradigms and eliminates disappointment in self and others. Finally, this is a journey that can be a blessing for so many reasons - living with a keen awareness of the beauty of creation, appreciation for the kindness and uniqueness of others, gratefulness for all moments of life - no matter our present condition and with the eagerness and willingness to choose faith over fear is a life that is still well-lived.

I have also been following a plant base lifestyle change. It has worked wonders for me. I do eat grilled chicken maybe twice a month and some sort or seafood sometimes. Its not a easy transition, but you have to do what you have to do sometimes especially when your life and health depends on it with our situation of having SLE. I still have to cook normal for my family as well, so that makes it even harder, but it is worth the transition. I feel so much better. Continue to strive to live the best life possible and we all will be fine.

Hi @A MyLupusTeam Member, sometimes life beats up on us by wreaking havoc in our physical & mental health, finances and relationships. It seems like it’s never a one thing at a time attack...It’s always “when it rains it pours” and that’s enough to push anyone over the edge. I know I’ve had my share of meltdowns. But deep down inside is that inner strength, the Warrior who might be bruised or stunned for a moment but will rise again to give you the strength to keep fighting. My kids use to think I was crazy because I’d talk to myself, lol. But I was really talking to and encouraging the Warrior inside me to keep moving & fighting. I said all this to say, when you’re down or at your wits end to tap into your inner strength Kathy, because you are stronger than anything that life throws at you! The joy of the Lord is your strength!

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A MyLupus...

Kindness, understanding and patience. Easier said than done sometimes. But keep a positive image of your self, not of the past but a goal of the future. Do something you both enjoy. Hold hands a lot. And most of all live your self. If you don’t sometimes it makes it hard for others to love you if you pull away and dislike your self. Open up to your feelings don’t hold back. It will refresh the soul.