If you’re living with lupus, you’re already aware of the impact the condition can have on your life. However, chances are strong that the people in your life 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 when loved ones don’t understand your situation, as you might worry about how your relationships could be affected.

Raising awareness about lupus is important. If your friends, family, and acquaintances are more aware of your condition, that can help them better understand how best to support you. Here are 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 helpful to understand the specifics of lupus. Knowing facts about lupus, such as its causes, signs, symptoms, and treatments in depth can make it easier for you to bring awareness to others.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. In other words, the damage in lupus is caused by the immune system attacking its own healthy tissue, causing inflammation within the body. Lupus can attack any type of tissue or organ. Common targets of lupus include the skin and joints, causing symptoms like skin lesions and joint pain. In severe cases, lupus can attack the kidneys, heart, brain, nerves, and blood vessels.

Per Mayo Clinic, lupus is more common among women and is usually diagnosed between 15 and 45 years old. People who are Hispanic, African American, and Asian are more commonly affected than other groups.

Although there is no cure for lupus, it 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.

"The fastest and least expensive way to spread awareness for lupus is through social media. You can post information about the condition and join online lupus communities."

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, such as #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 on May 10th — World Lupus Day — to honor lupus awareness.

The Lupus Foundation of America encourages people to “make lupus visible” by posting pictures of themselves wearing purple on World Lupus Day, and all throughout 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, or host a silent auction or other fundraising event. You can even create a unique event that works for your interests. You can help other people understand more about lupus while having fun and raising funds for lupus.

"Participating in a fundraising event is a fun way to spread awareness while raising money 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 233,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

How do you show your support in the fight against lupus? Do you rock out in purple in May for Lupus Awareness Month, post to your social media, or participate in a local fundraiser? Share how you advocate for the cause in the comments below or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.