If you’re living with lupus, you’re already aware of the impact the condition can have on your life — but chances are strong that other people in your orbit don’t know as much as they could about the disease. That’s why it’s important to raise awareness of the condition — particularly in May, which is Lupus Awareness Month.

It can be hard when your friends and family don’t know what you’re going through. It can also feel difficult to say no to loved ones who don’t understand your situation because you might worry about how your relationships will be affected.

Raising awareness about lupus is important so your friends, family, and acquaintances can better understand how to support you. Check out five ways that you can get involved with lupus awareness.

1. Start by Raising Your Own Awareness

Before you can create public awareness by sharing information with others, it’s a good idea to understand the specifics of lupus. Learn more about lupus’ causes, signs and symptoms, and treatments.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. In other words, the damage in lupus is caused by the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Lupus can attack any type of tissue or organ. Common targets of lupus include the skin and joints. In severe cases, lupus can attack the kidneys, heart, brain, nerves, and blood vessels.

Lupus is more common among women, and it’s usually diagnosed when people are between 15 and 45 years old. It affects more people who are Hispanic, African American, and Asian than it affects other groups.

Although there is no cure for lupus, the condition can be managed via treatments, which may include medications and lifestyle adjustments.

2. Share Awareness Resources

After you’re armed with information about lupus, you can share it with others. The fastest and least expensive way for this kind of advocacy is through social media. You can post information about lupus, share details about the condition, and join communities of other people who are also working to raise lupus awareness.

You can follow the Lupus Foundation of America on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

3. Use Relevant Social Media Hashtags

To ensure your messages on social media spread awareness to as many people as possible, consider using an appropriate lupus-related hashtag, like #Lupus, #LupusAwareness, #LupusWarrior, or #LupusAwarenessMonth. This way, your posts will be seen by more people who have the same interests, and they’re more likely to share and comment.

Social media posts help raise awareness for the condition, and they also allow other people with lupus to realize they aren’t alone. Joining a lupus community on social media, such as MyLupusTeam, can also help you connect with others.

“I am going to do my bit on social media to raise awareness of lupus,” wrote one member of MyLupusTeam. “Feeling positive and blessed to be alive.”

4. Wear Purple

Purple is the signature color in the fight against lupus, and supporters are encouraged to don purple clothing and accessories during May to honor lupus awareness.

The Lupus Foundation of America encourages people to post pictures of themselves wearing purple in May on social media with the hashtags #PutOnPurple and #POP.

“Got my nails done last week for Lupus Awareness Month, and on Saturday I got the purple color in my hair for awareness — now I am ready!” one MyLupusTeam member wrote. Another said, “May is Lupus Awareness Month! It’s an opportunity for the community to wear purple!”

5. Participate in Awareness Activities

Another way to raise awareness about lupus is to participate in an activity dedicated to the cause. You can walk or run for lupus, play bingo, host a silent auction or fundraiser, or even create a unique event that works for your interests. You can help other people understand more about lupus while having fun and working to raise funds for the cause.

If you are able to, you can also donate to the Lupus Foundation of America to support lupus research and advocacy.

Connect With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 208,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Share your lupus journey in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.