Dear Ritz
Welcome to the forum. So pleased you felt able to tell us your story which so many will identify with.
Lupus is a painful condition which is hard to deal with. Are there any medical remedies apart from pain relief? Can you return to your psychologist? Get a mental health plan from your GP to help with the costs. Sadly psychological help does take a little while to become effective but if you had a good relationship in the past it will be easier to start again. I think you will need some long term assistance as the Lupus has a huge effect on mental well being.
Have you tired any form of exercise? Ask your GP about this. Seeing a good physiotherapist can be good for you as, apart from possibly getting some pain relief you are also getting out of your home, interacting for a short with someone else and it may well help your general physical well being. Sometimes pain stops us doing things that can actually help to manage the pain.
Not wanting to be with people is one symptom of depression but you should check this out with your GP. Medication is a tricky subject. It seems to help some but not everyone. I tried it for years without any real positive effect until I tried an old antidepressant. It keeps me less tense but does not take away my depression. I have worked hard on this and I at least know what presses my buttons. I have been diagnosed with a potential life threatening illness and that has been difficult to deal with. Eating a good diet, having some exercise (not my favourite occupation) and getting 'out there' are the best ways of coping for me.
Do you have any hobbies or activities that you enjoy, or anything you would like to try. I understand the difficulties you will face in going out but sometimes it really is a case of just doing it. The rewards are so positive and good. where you are now is where I have been so I know the effort required.
Let us know how you are going.
Mary
