What are the mental health struggles of autoimmune disease patients?

One of the many challenges of having an autoimmune disease is the mental health struggles that often accompany the physical symptoms. One study found that up to 50% of autoimmune disease patients exhibit "depression-like symptoms." In addition to the physiological impact of an activated immune system, poor physical health can also cause "significant stress and burden" on a patient's mental health.

This July, during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we look at the unique challenges experienced by racial and ethnic minorities regarding mental health. Various factors contribute to disparate mental health outcomes among racial and ethnic communities, including limited access to quality mental healthcare services, a general lack of awareness about mental health, the cultural stigma surrounding mental health, and discrimination. These mental health disparities were particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when researchers saw a noticeable decline in the mental health of Black, Hispanic, and Asian respondents.

When it comes to the mental health of autoimmune disease patients, inflammation of the brain can also lead to psychiatric symptoms that sometimes cause physicians to overlook the underlying autoimmune condition. Moreover, between managing insurance coverage, multiple specialists, and numerous appointments, many face significant challenges and emotional trauma in their journey to find a diagnosis and proper treatment. Our Director of Patient Partnerships, Reggie Barnes, shares his experience as a minority living with a rare autoimmune disease called GAD 65 autoimmune encephalitis.

What are your mental health struggles? You can share your story by making a short video below (with an option to anonymize the video).

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