Living with lupus can be stressful. There is the stress directly related to managing flares and finding the right treatments, and there is the stress of fulfilling work, home, or family obligations when you’re struggling with pain and discomfort. Members of MyLupusTeam also find that increased stress can aggravate symptoms or bring on flares.

Finding effective ways of managing stress, whether it’s the result of your illness or other aspects of life, is important for taking care of your physical and emotional health.

Members of MyLupusTeam rely on their fellow “warriors” online, support from family, therapy, anxiety medication, meditation, acupuncture, and prayer to manage anxiety. Anxiety is common in people with lupus, and there are resources to help you.

On MyLupusTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with lupus, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Managing stress is one of the most discussed topics.

Here are some conversations about managing stress:

• “Can stress and anxiety make lupus worse?”

• “A prayer for stress relief”

• “Any tips for anxiety and lupus?”

• "I'm so frustrated and stressed out. My bloodwork is normal but symptoms keep coming."

• "I'm feeling anxious about working tomorrow."

• "Stress is a huge flare trigger."

Here are some question-and-answer threads about managing stress:

• Does anyone suffer from major anxiety disorder and depression?

• How can I relieve stress?

Have you found ways to manage stress and anxiety? What do you do to take care of your mental and emotional health? Share your insights in the comments below or directly on MyLupusTeam.