Lupus is a chronic condition, but taking steps to control your symptoms and prevent flare-ups can help you live a long, healthy life. Coping with the challenges of lupus is one of the most complex parts of the disease. Lupus affects so many parts of your body that it can take a toll on your overall self-esteem and mental health.
Getting a lupus diagnosis can change the way you think about yourself. Thinking of the way you lived your life pre-diagnosis is likely completely different post-diagnosis. Lupus can cause nausea and fatigue and can make day-to-day activities hard. However, persevering through the disease can bring a newfound light and passion into your life. Fighting a condition that’s trying to knock you down can give you new confidence and outlook on life.
Some ways you can improve confidence in your lupus journey include:
- Joining a support group.
- Listing positives about yourself through the lens of your loved ones.
- Reach out and surround yourself with positive people.
- Consider a support animal.
- Share your story with others going through the same thing.
- Talk to a therapist on ways to cope with the changes lupus brings to your life.
The way to embrace your new life with lupus is to accept every chance to boost your self-esteem. Whether you choose to wear hairpieces to cover up hair loss from lupus or have taken up a new low-impact exercise to reduce inflammation in your body, focus on the positive. Do what makes you feel best about yourself.
Getting frustrated and fearful for your future is natural, but fighting those negative thoughts and replacing them with positive things will help you improve your confidence in yourself. Another upside of lupus is how much you get to learn about yourself and life in general. Surrounding yourself with new people experiencing what you are can help you see life in a new light.
