Mental Health
Living with lupus can affect your emotional wellbeing as well as your physical health.
You don't have to manage the difficult days alone.
Mental health and lupus
Living with lupus can be challenging in ways that aren't always visible. Alongside its physical effects, lupus can have a significant impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
This R U OK? Day, we're encouraging our community to check in with the people around them.
How to ask "R U OK?"
1
ASK
Choose a suitable moment
2
LISTEN
Give them time to talk
3
ENCOURAGE
Help them connect with help
4
CHECK-IN
Follow-up afterwards
A conversation doesn't have to end there. Follow up and ask how they've been going.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT FOR R U OK? DAY
A genuine conversation can remind someone that support is available.
References
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Moustafa AT, et al., 2020. Prevalence and metric of depression and anxiety in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 50(1):84–94.
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R U OK? How to ask “Are you OK?”. Available from: www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask [Accessed Friday 28 August 2026].
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Lifeline Australia. Lifeline Crisis Support.
Available from: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/national-services/lifeline-crisis-support [Accessed Friday 28 August 2026].