Mental wellbeing with lupus
Living with lupus can affect much more than your physical health. Stress, uncertainty, fatigue, pain and changes to everyday life can all affect how you feel. Here are practical ways to look after your emotional wellbeing and find further support.
Lupus can affect how you feel
Living with a long-term condition can bring stress, worry, frustration, low mood, sleep difficulties and uncertainty about symptoms or the future. These feelings are understandable, and you do not have to manage them alone.
Mental wellbeing and physical symptoms can influence each other, but your symptoms are real and are not your fault. If something feels different or difficult to manage, speak with your rheumatology team or GP.
Things that may help
Take things one step at a time
Set small, realistic goals and build in rest. Notice what helps on better and more difficult days.
Stay connected
Share how you are feeling with someone you trust. Keeping in touch can reduce isolation.
Look after your routines
Gentle movement, regular meals, sleep routines and time outside may support your wellbeing.
Try a calming practice
Breathing exercises, mindfulness or relaxation may help you cope with stress. They do not treat lupus or replace medical care.
Our Headspace programme
Headspace offers guided mindfulness and meditation resources that some people find useful for relaxation, sleep and managing everyday stress. It is optional and does not treat lupus.
Finding support
Speak to your healthcare team
Your GP, rheumatology team or lupus nurse can listen, offer advice and connect you with appropriate support. Ask for help if low mood, anxiety or sleep problems are affecting daily life.
NHS mental health support
NHS Talking Therapies
If anxiety, low mood or other difficult feelings are affecting everyday life, NHS Talking Therapies may also be able to help. These services can support people experiencing anxiety or depression, including where this is connected with living with a long-term health condition.
In England, many adults can refer themselves without speaking to their GP first.
If you need urgent help
If you need urgent help for your mental health, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E.
If you need to talk now
Samaritans are available free, day or night, on 116 123. Contact Samaritans.
About this information
This information is for general guidance and does not replace advice from your GP, rheumatology team or another healthcare professional. Mental wellbeing support and mindfulness resources do not treat lupus or replace appropriate medical or psychological care.
Information updated: September 2026
Sources used for this page
- NHS — Mental health services
Official NHS information about accessing mental-health support and urgent help. - NHS — Talking therapies
Official NHS information about talking therapies for anxiety and depression, including self-referral and support for people living with long-term health conditions. - Samaritans
Information about free emotional support available by telephone, day or night.