Does Lupus Cause Anxiety or Depression? No, But It Can Increase Your Risk of These Conditions

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect many parts of the body. There’s no cure for lupus, so people diagnosed with lupus can face a lifetime of physical symptoms. 

It’s natural to focus on your physical well-being when you’re first diagnosed with lupus. But it’s important to keep in mind that having lupus can affect your mental health, too. Studies show that having any chronic condition makes you more likely to experience stress and uncertainty, which can lead to symptoms of depression or anxiety. 

Lupus doesn’t directly cause depression or anxiety, but it can increase your risk of developing one or both of these conditions. Here’s what you should know about how lupus can affect your mental health and what you can do to care for your emotional and mental well-being. 

What mental health challenges do people with lupus often face?

Studies show that rates of anxiety and depression can be higher in people with lupus than in people with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. This may be because lupus can affect the brain in addition to other parts of the body. 

About 1 in 4 people living with lupus experience major depressive disorder. About 1 in 3 people with lupus meet the criteria for major anxiety. 

Still, there’s no clear evidence that lupus directly causes these conditions. Instead, it’s likely that the everyday uncertainty and stress of living with an incurable disease can lead to these mental health conditions. 

Finding out you have a chronic autoimmune disorder that will never go away can cause a wide variety of responses. Many people experience fear, anxiety, and sadness when they first learn they have lupus. And these feelings can come and go over time, especially if you’re experiencing a health setback or flare. 

Some symptoms you may notice include:

• Trouble sleeping

• Sadness

• Anxious feelings

• Loneliness 

• Difficulty concentrating

Experiencing these things from time to time may be normal. But if they’re constant and getting in the way of your everyday life, it’s important to seek help from your healthcare team or mental health professional. These are signs that you may be developing a condition like depression or anxiety.

Why are depression and anxiety common in people with lupus disease?

There are many reasons why depression and anxiety are common in people living with lupus. Lupus can make day-to-day life challenging not only physically and emotionally, but also financially and socially. These added stressors can affect people’s mental health, especially if these strains continue without any relief. 

Financial strain

Financial stress on its own has been linked to a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression. People living with a chronic condition often experience significant financial stress. You may not be able to work if you have significant physical limitations due to lupus. This loss of income can lead to significant financial stress, especially if accompanied by loss of insurance. 

Even if you’re able to work and have insurance, lupus can still affect you financially. You may be faced with unexpected expenses like the cost of medications, office visits, and medical equipment. 

Workplace stress

Like financial stress, workplace stress on its own has been linked to worsening mental health. People with lupus already face numerous challenges to their mental health, and workplace stress can add another level of burden.

Lupus can get in the way of a person’s ability to complete their duties at work. People may feel stress and anxiety about disclosing a need for special accommodations. They may also not want to disclose their diagnosis to colleagues, which can be isolating. Even though you have a right to workplace accommodations, coworkers and colleagues may not always be supportive.   Perceptions of fairness can lead to professional and personal strain.

Relationship strain

Lupus can place a strain on your relationships, too. Family life can be disrupted as responsibilities and duties need to be rearranged. People with lupus may not be able to be as engaged in activities inside and outside the home as they used to be. 

This can lead to strain not only between adults, but also with children. Friendships and romantic relationships may also suffer because the person with lupus may have less time to spend with others. A breakdown of social support can lead to isolation and loneliness, which can affect a person’s mental health. 

Mental health support and resources for people living with lupus

People living with lupus often face a number of emotional stressors that can lead to depression and anxiety. While many people may face one or two of these stressors at a time, people with lupus can face all these stressors at once, often for long periods of time without relief. 

But you don’t have to carry this burden on your own. There are resources available for people living with lupus that can help, including:

• Your healthcare team: Start with your healthcare team. Your rheumatologist and lupus care team can help support you and offer treatment like therapy or medication. Lupus care teams are familiar with the unique needs of people living with lupus and can provide compassionate and culturally competent care. 

• Lupus support groups: It helps to build a support network of people who’ve had similar experiences. The Lupus Foundation of America runs lupus support groups nationwide where you can connect with people who understand the stresses you face. You can find a local chapter here. You can also visit Mental Health America’s Center for Peer Support. This organization offers emotional support, shares knowledge and connects people with resources in their community.

• Lupus Initiative: Learning more about lupus and your treatment options lets you have a voice in your medical care. This can help you regain a sense of control and independence. It can also relieve some of your uncertainty as you find out what you can expect in the future. You can start with the Lupus Initiative’s playbook.  

If you need someone to talk to, or if you’re considering harming yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 988. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress. It also provides crisis resources for you and your loved ones. 

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Written by:

Tracy Norfleet, MD, FACP

Dr. Tracy Norfleet is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, health expert, and physician leader with over 20 years of experience practicing adult medicine. Dual-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Tracy possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in both traditional medical practices and innovative lifestyle interventions for chronic disease management and reversal.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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