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

Rheumatologist Dr Désirée Tulloch-Reid, president of Lupus Foundation of Jamaica (LFJ), speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on Tuesday, said 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 in 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 shared.

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

Dr Tulloch-Reid pointed out that these needs may be emotional or practical, such as requiring someone to accompany them to medical appointments or help 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 m,’ ” Dr Tulloch-Reid said.

Dr Tulloch-Reid emphasised, too, that joining support networks and participating in community organisations, like 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 encouraged.

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