How much of a role does stress play in the development and progression of lupus?
I am a police officer working in the jail division, where the stress level is extremely high, and I need to know whether I should consider other employment. There is no evidence that stress causes lupus. But there is much that suggests it can contribute to flare-ups of lupus, so it is certainly wise to avoid unnecessary stress. Leaving your job may or may not be a productive path to follow. Changing jobs can in itself be very stressful. If you do not enjoy your job and if it is dissatisfying in other ways, you might be happier changing to other work. If, however, the job meets a number of your needs — for example, financial security, short commute, and so forth — then you might want to remain and learn to handle the job stress more effectively: • As much as you can, avoid taking on too many responsibilities, working too many hours, or taking your work home with you. • Don’t bottle up feelings of frustration or resentment, or fuel feelings of helplessness and anger through obsessive n
