Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

I was recently diagnosed with lupus. I am depressed and worried about my health.

- Maria

Dear Maria:

Lupus is a condition that affects many people. Whenever individuals are given unfavourable diagnoses they become anxious and worried. Time is needed to make the necessary adjustments. Some individuals have great difficulty adjusting to ill health and become clinically depressed. To improve your competence in dealing with lupus you need to research the topic and speak to others who have the condition. There are usually support groups to help individuals with Lupus. There is a support group in Jamaica.

Some individuals who develop lupus can present with depression or psychosis. You therefore need to discuss with your doctor the cause of your depression. You may find that treating the lupus will cause the depression to go into remission.

However, you need counselling to cope with having become ill. Make a list of questions that you want to discuss with your doctor. Sometimes it is good to speak with a psychiatrist or a psychologist to get coping strategies to deal with your thoughts about lupus and your behaviour towards the diagnosis. Behaviour therapy and cognitive therapy require guidance and supervision. Get the support of family, friends and co-workers because you need their help for the long-term.

Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson; tel: 9788602; email: yvonniebd@hotmail.com.