Let’s Talk Lupus: Lupus Canada’s Way of Reaching Out to Lupus Patients

Lupus is a more severe and pervasive disease than most people think. Additionally, it has a shattering impact that many don’t even realize. As a matter of fact, almost two-thirds of the population know little or nothing about this condition. Now is the perfect time to change this. With this in mind, Lupus Canada didn’t think twice about launching a campaign called “Let’s Talk Lupus,” which aims to reach out to lupus patients and educate their friends, relatives, and others about the disease. “Let’s Talk Lupus” consists of 12 brief informational videos that answer the most common queries regarding the condition. Patrick McKenna, the Celebrity Ambassador of Lupus Canada, was chosen to introduce each topic.

Beyond that, here are some facts to know about lupus itself.

Lupus Canada launched their “Let’s Talk Lupus” campaign with the goal of reaching out to lupus patients as well as raising awareness to their friends, family members, and the general population. “Let’s Talk Lupus” is mainly focused around 12 brief informational videos aimed at answering several of the most common questions regarding lupus.

Pain is inevitable. Those who suffer from this condition tend to face extreme pain, muscle aches, weakness, and inflammation. More than half of all lupus patients experience pain in their muscles as well as joints, which is often the first manifestation of their symptoms. Pain cannot be predicted, as it can occur at any time, in any place, and it can range from mild to severe in intensity. It can start off as pain due to an injury or trauma, but can then turn into a continuous form that doesn’t let up. Pain can cause physical as well as emotional turmoil in the lives of affected individuals. The doctor has to identify what is mainly causing the pain in the first place by trying to rule out the possibility of another medical condition. In the meanwhile, the individual can use heating pads to find relief from the pain. Warm showers are also a great way to reduce the stiffness present in the body. When the joints are severely inflamed, the individual can apply a cold pack, but make sure to handle such things with care. Try to rest whenever possible as well.

There are a lot of social as well as psychological factors that can increase the painful condition. Many lupus patients complain that they cannot carry out their usual tasks at work or at home. This potential imbalance in carrying out routine activities can lead to agitation, stress, depression, anxiety, and anger. Those who experience chronic instances of pain often report signs of depression, which is known to be three times more prevalent in such individuals. Those who experience chronic pain or depression also undergo certain changes in their mental, physical, and social well-being. Most of them complain that they lack concentration in their activities, are unable to fall asleep, and find it very difficult to perform regular tasks. So, at times, it is better to avoid certain activities in order to keep the pain from worsening and instead turn to things that make you happy.

A few suggested treatment methods include using relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to ease the body and soothe it both internally and externally. Try to make use of cognitive behavioral therapy, as this can help to address unhealthy emotional patterns and behaviors in an individual. Try to stay with your family members and friends to promote a faster recovery.