What are some psychosocial strategies that can help me better manage my fatigue?
Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom in patients with lupus. It can be physical:”I’m too tired to stand up” and/or mental:”I can’t concentrate today”, “I keep re-reading this paragraph again and again”. While the exact cause of lupus fatigue is unknown, physiological and psychological factors involved. Depression, stress, poor sleep and lack of physical activity can worsen fatigue. Here are some psychosocial strategies that can help: • Learn a stress-reduction technique (i.e. relaxation, meditation). There are great self-help workbooks and audiotapes to learn stress-reduction strategies. • Establish better sleep patterns. • Keep a diary of your fatigue patterns – identify and CHANGE stressors, thoughts and behaviours that may be increasing your fatigue. My patients have found this technique most helpful for better understanding when in the day they get most tired and in planning activities around times when their energy level is higher. • Get some exercise. Consult with your p
