News, stories & practical advice

Today, 10 October, is World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme — “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change” — is a powerful reminder that people’s own experiences matter. For those living with lupus, that feels particularly important. Lupus is different for everyone. Symptoms can change from day to day, many of them are invisible,…

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have lived with lupus for years, remember that experiencing flares doesn’t mean you’re failing. Lupus can be unpredictable, but with knowledge, support, and self-care, it’s possible to manage symptoms and live well.

Pain can be one of the most difficult parts of living with lupus. It can affect your joints, muscles and other parts of your body, disturb your sleep and make everyday activities harder. But pain can have different causes. Sometimes it may be related to inflammation from active lupus. At other times, there may be…

The Big Bird 5K is back — and registration for 2026 is officially open. On Sunday 22 November 2026, we’ll be returning to East Park, Wolverhampton, for one of the most enjoyable and unique events in The Hibbs Lupus Trust calendar. And this year, we’d love to see as many people affected by lupus as…

A lupus diagnosis can answer one question while creating many more. What does this mean for me? What happens next? Will I need treatment? What should I ask my rheumatologist? How will lupus affect everyday life? If you have recently been diagnosed, it can be tempting to try to understand everything at once. You don’t…

Fatigue is one of the most common and difficult symptoms of lupus. It can be much more than feeling tired after a busy day. For some people, lupus fatigue can feel overwhelming — making everyday tasks, work, exercise, socialising or simply concentrating much harder than usual. Rest does not always make it disappear, and because…

Living with lupus can make work feel unpredictable. You may be managing fatigue, pain, brain fog, appointments, photosensitivity or flare days—often while trying to look as though everything is “normal”. But needing support at work does not make you less capable, less committed or less professional. Lupus can fluctuate, and the right practical adjustments can…

Many people living with lupus describe periods when thinking feels slower or less clear than usual. You might forget what you were about to say, struggle to concentrate, lose track of a conversation or find it harder to organise tasks. People often call this “brain fog”. Brain fog is not a medical diagnosis, and experiencing…

Sleep problems can make living with lupus even more difficult. Pain may make it hard to get comfortable. Worries about your health can keep your mind active at night. Some medicines can affect sleep, and another sleep condition may sometimes be involved. Poor sleep can also make pain, concentration, mood and everyday coping feel harder…