LFJ Encourages Broadscale Support for Persons Living with Lupus

The public is being encouraged to support individuals living with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease which affects thousands of Jamaicans.

This urging comes from Lupus Foundation of Jamaica (LFJ) President, and Rheumatologist, Dr. Désirée Tulloch-Reid.

Speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on Tuesday (October 22), Dr. Tulloch-Reid informed that support from family, friends and the wider community is crucial in helping persons diagnosed with lupus to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

“There are so many ways that people can support somebody with lupus. The first thing you can do is learn all you can. Find out about the disease, gain an understanding of it and how it’s treated. Also, find out from the person how they’re affected and what their needs are,” she said

Dr. Tulloch-Reid underscored the importance of understanding, empathy and a sense of community for supporting lupus patients.

“Living with lupus can be an emotionally draining experience in many ways, and so support groups, patient education and peer networks play a critical role in helping individuals maintain their mental health and stay connected with others who understand their struggles,” she added.

Support for lupus patients can take different forms, based on each individual’s needs.

Dr. Tulloch-Reid pointed out that these may be emotional or practical, such as needing someone to accompany them to medical appointments or helping with errands.

“It’s not easy to sit alone in the doctor’s office and hear complicated things and not have that support. It may be as simple as running errands for the person when they’re not up to it, going to the supermarket, helping [to prepare] a meal or being on call to say, ‘you can call me if you need me’,” Dr. Tulloch-Reid highlighted.

Lupus Awareness Month is being observed from October 7 to November 3.

Dr. Tulloch-Reid emphasises that joining support networks and participating in community organisations, like the LFJ, are good ways of supporting persons living with the illness.

“You can help spread awareness, dispel stigma and help our work. Anybody can be a member, and anyone can help. I’d like to encourage all persons, not just persons who have lupus, not just their family members or friends but the wider community to get involved. Lupus is everybody’s business, and it makes a difference when we have greater awareness… . Join the fight against lupus today,” Dr. Tulloch-Reid said.

To register to become a member of the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica, visit lupusfoundationjamaica.org.