Key takeaways

  • Stress can trigger lupus flares, which are periods when disease activity worsens and inflammation increases your risk of organ damage.
  • Emotional stressors like job stress, grief, or trauma may bring on a flare, while physical stress from injury, infection, pregnancy, or surgery can activate your immune system and worsen symptoms.
  • Managing stress by planning ahead, staying active, scheduling breaks, getting quality sleep, and leaning on your support network can help reduce lupus flares.

People with lupus — an autoimmune condition — are sensitive to both physical and emotional stress. High stress levels can cause symptoms to flare up. During symptom flares, inflammation can affect different parts of your body, including your joints and your organs.

Lupus flares often follow stressful life events, like a divorce or the death of a loved one. But they can also be triggered by ongoing stress at home or at work. Physical stress, like an injury or surgery, can also trigger a lupus flare; as can environmental factors like spending too much time in the sun.

If you live with lupus, there are several strategies you can try to help you manage stress. This may help reduce disease activity and prevent serious organ damage.

A lupus flare is a period of time when disease activity gets worse.

You may notice symptoms like worsening joint pain, fatigue, or rashes. But sometimes lupus flares go unnoticed, which is why it’s important for you to see your doctor regularly for blood tests.

Some people experience the same symptoms during every flare-up, but it’s important to be on the lookout for new symptoms over time. New symptoms can be a sign that lupus is affecting a different part of your body, so it’s important to tell your doctor about any changes you notice.

Symptoms of a lupus flare may include:

  • fatigue
  • joint pain
  • swelling
  • headaches
  • body aches
  • fever
  • chest pain
  • light sensitivity
  • rashes, including a butterfly rash on the face
  • hair loss
  • fever
  • skin lesions
  • numbness in your fingers or toes

Because your body is inflamed during flare-ups, flares increase your risk of organ damage. Preventing flares is one of the main goals of lupus treatment.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, emotional stress can trigger a lupus flare.

Emotional stress can come from many areas of life. A job or relationship can bring emotional challenges or a serious life event can throw things into turmoil.

Emotional stressors that can trigger lupus include:

  • parenting
  • caregiving
  • debt or financial distress
  • job stress
  • exams or other school stress
  • grief or loss
  • divorce or breakup
  • discrimination or harassment
  • anxiety
  • trauma

If you have lupus, managing long-term stress can be an important part of preventing flares.

How stress affects the body

Whether or not you have lupus, your body may experience symptoms when you are under stress. These may include:

  • trouble sleeping
  • a weakened immune system
  • headaches
  • high blood pressure
  • raised heart rate
  • stomachaches
  • weight gain or obesity
  • fertility issues
  • changes in your menstrual cycle
  • reduced sex drive

Physical stress, like an injury, creates an immune system response which can trigger a lupus flare.

If you become pregnant, for example, you may be at greater risk for a flare, especially in the first or second trimester. Giving birth also increases your risk of a flare.

Infection, injury, certain medications, and stopping lupus medications are other kinds of physical stress that may lead to a flare.

The exact cause of lupus is unknown. But some researchers believe that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or exposure to trauma may play a role.

A 2023 review links PTSD and trauma-related stress with an increased risk of both developing lupus and worsening inflammation and disease outcomes in people with the condition.

Not to mention, trauma can also worsen lupus. A 2023 study found that trauma exposure in people with lupus was associated with higher self-reported disease activity and more frequent flares.

You can take steps to manage stress while living with lupus.

Adopt a “plan ahead” approach

You may be able to reduce stress by taking time to plan your daily tasks or important events like doctor’s appointments. Write down questions for your doctor before you go.

Before a hectic day, plan how to get from place to place and when you’ll have time to eat and relax between errands.

Have a flexible exercise routine

Research supports a link between exercise and lower stress levels. A 2022 study found that higher levels of physical activity were linked to healthier stress responses and lower stress reactivity compared to those with a sedentary lifestyle.

Consider staying active but listening to your body, matching the intensity of the exercise with how you feel from day to day.

Put relaxation on the agenda

Taking time out can help to preserve and restore your energy reserves.

Try scheduling breaks, such as 20 minutes during the workday or one full day on the weekend. During this time, you can read, meditate, be creative, or do nothing at all.

Prioritize quality sleep

Sleep deficiency can make you feel frustrated and worried. Lack of sleep can also worsen the fatigue that comes with a lupus flare.

Plan for a good night’s sleep with these steps:

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
  • Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and screen-free.
  • Turn off all electronic devices at least 30 minutes before you go to bed.

Reach out for help

According to a 2020 review, around 35% of people with lupus have experienced depression, and 26% have had anxiety.

Talking with a healthcare professional about mental health is the first step on the road to mental wellness. Community connection through lupus support groups can also help with managing emotional stress.

Emotional or psychological stress, as well as physical stress, can trigger lupus flares. People living with lupus can use stress reduction strategies such as exercise and community involvement to manage stress and prevent flares.