We recently asked 593 members of MyLupusTeam about their experience living with lupus. They shared candid insights into symptoms, triggers, obstacles to managing the condition, and factors that influence their satisfaction with their doctors.

One clear finding is that the emotional toll of living with lupus is significant. About 72 percent of survey respondents reported commonly feeling anxious, and 70 percent reported commonly feeling depressed. Dealing with anxiety and depression was cited as one of the top three obstacles to managing lupus, alongside pain and relentless fatigue.

When doctors adequately help manage anxiety and depression, people with lupus express more satisfaction with their health care. About half (48 percent) of those surveyed reported being mostly satisfied with their doctor. Among those who are mostly satisfied, 74 percent said their doctor is addressing these mental health issues. Among those who reported being mostly dissatisfied with their doctor, only 28 percent said these issues are being addressed.