Is experiencing anxiety or sadness before or after a lupus flare common?
Yes, this is a common experience. Emotional changes like anxiety and sadness can definitely occur as part of the flare cycle. Many people with lupus notice mood shifts both when flares are starting and when they're ending.
During flares, you might Show Full Answer
Is experiencing anxiety or sadness before or after a lupus flare common?
Yes, this is a common experience. Emotional changes like anxiety and sadness can definitely occur as part of the flare cycle. Many people with lupus notice mood shifts both when flares are starting and when they're ending.
During flares, you might experience:
- Increased anxiety
- Feelings of sadness or depression
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks in some cases
A MyLupusTeam member shared that after a flare, the "fog is bad," referring to the cognitive and emotional challenges that can linger. The physical exhaustion and pain from flares naturally take an emotional toll too.
Stress and anxiety can also work both ways - they're known flare triggers for many people, creating a challenging cycle. One member noted that "stress is a huge flare trigger."
It's worth mentioning that some lupus medications, particularly steroids like prednisone, can worsen anxiety and cause mood changes. This can make it hard to tell whether the anxiety is from lupus itself or medication side effects.
If these feelings are significantly impacting your daily life, it's important to discuss them with your healthcare team. They can help determine if adjustments to your treatment plan might help.
March 25
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