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Autoimmune Disease and Depression

Life with Lupus can be challenging. With symptoms coming and going to flare ups, the disease can cause normal feelings of like frustration and sadness.

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Autoimmune Disease and Depression

Life with an autoimmune disease can be challenging. With symptoms coming and going to flare ups, my disease, mixed connective tissue disease, can cause normal feelings of frustration, sadness and anger. Anxiety, panic attacks, and depression can also be a side effect of Lupus.

According to The Johns Hopkins Lupus Center, approximately one-third of all people with lupus experience depression and anxiety. Why are the statistics so high? The Lupus Foundation of America compiled these and other helpful facts about lupus and depression:

  • Clinical depression may be a result of the ways in which lupus physically affects your body.
  • Some of the medicines to treat lupus — especially corticosteroids such as prednisone (and at higher doses of 20 mg or more) — play a role in causing clinical depression.
  • Clinical depression may be a result of the continuous series of emotional and psychological stressors associated with living with a chronic illness.
  • Two common feelings associated with clinical depression [and lupus] are hopelessness and helplessness. People who feel hopeless believe that their distressing symptoms may never improve. People who feel helpless believe they are beyond help — that no one cares enough to help them or could succeed in helping, even if they tried

In understanding lupus, the most common cause is the emotional drain from the stress of coping with the complications of physical illness. Add to that economic, social, and workplace concerns. Moreover, various medications used to treat lupus—especially corticosteroids—may cause clinical depression. When certain organs or organ systems are affected by lupus (such as the brain, heart, or kidneys), clinical depression may occur.

I am not afraid to say that I have dealt with bouts of depression on and off. There is a stigma that goes with dealing with depression. Living as a black woman, I have often found my community is afraid to talk about depression. We are often told to “pray it away” instead of taking the proper steps to get treatment.

What can you do? 

We all deal with life differently, but if you ever feel like you have reached your breaking point, please don’t be afraid to ask for help. I have found this great resource from Lupus.org that I would like to share.

Seek psychotherapy. You should not feel embarrassed or hesitant about asking your doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. Psychotherapy, under the guidance of a trained professional, can help you learn to understand your feelings, your illness, and your relationships, and to cope more effectively with stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy—a special type of psychotherapy—can be very helpful when you are living with chronic illness. Support groups led by a therapist or trained counselor, such as those organized by the Foundation’s national network of chapters and affiliates, also can be instrumental in helping you deal with symptoms of clinical depression.

Take antidepressant medications. Several types of prescribed drugs can help ease the effects of clinical depression. Anti-anxiety medicines are also available to reduce worry and fearful feelings. In some people, improvements can occur in a matter of weeks once medication is started.

Find ways to reduce pain. Chronic pain can be a factor in the development of clinical depression. Besides medication (which can also play a role in clinical depression), experts often recommend non-medication ways to conquer—or at least reduce—chronic pain, such as yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, acupuncture, biofeedback, meditation, behavioral changes, play therapy, and chiropractic care.

You may consider over-the-counter treatments for your depression and/or pain. It is important to discuss all herbs and supplements with your rheumatologist or primary care provider before trying them as certain ingredients can cause reactions with your prescribed medications.

Get more exercise. If you are physically able, take part in some sort of physical activity every day. This can be as simple as walking the dog, yard work or gardening, or window shopping at the mall.

Improve your sleep habits. Not getting enough restful sleep can cause many health problems, including symptoms of clinical depression. To improve your sleep, and, in turn, your mental well-being, try to:

  • Get seven to eight hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.
  • Do aerobic exercise every day, such as brisk walking—or whatever you can manage.
  • Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol several hours before bedtime.
  • Know which medications keep you from sleeping and take those early in the day.
  • Have a good mattress, comfortable bed linens, the right room temperature, and the right amount of darkness.
  • Include rest periods throughout your day when needed.

If you still aren’t getting enough sleep, find a reputable sleep center and talk to your doctor about sleep medications and/or possible physical causes for your sleeplessness.

Build a support system. Stay in touch with family members, former work buddies, or long-time friends. Make phone calls, join Facebook, try videoconferencing, or consider adding an animal companion to your family.

Change your self-talk. Feelings of anger and self-pity can bring on unproductive thoughts; for example, “It’s not fair. I haven’t done anything wrong. Why me? Or I’m too weak even to fight off this illness.” Replace negative, self-defeating inner language with truthful, productive thoughts, such as: “I feel lousy, but I have many blessings.”

You can also list the people and things in your life for which you are grateful: A loving spouse or significant other; your children, and the children of your extended family; caring relatives; good friends; a beloved pet; work or hobbies you enjoy and are able to do; a home you love; volunteer activities; fellowship at school, at a place of worship, or at a community center. Try to add to this list every day!

Discover the values of volunteerism. Volunteerism can provide real emotional benefits. Helping with a charitable cause that is meaningful to you can create social, supportive connections. Helping others can have a positive impact on your sense of well-being.

Strive to accept the new “you.” Pace yourself, and don’t feel badly about delegating some of your responsibilities. Ask for help, and accept help graciously. Finally, focus on what you have and what you can do, rather than on what you don’t have and can’t do.


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Health & Wellness

Hydeia Broadbent’s father launches GoFundMe following the activist’s death

Hydeia Broadbent passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, February 20th.

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Hydeia Broadbent father GoFundMe
Hydeia Broadbent (Photo Source: GoFundMe)

HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent’s father has launched a GoFundMe following her death.

Hydeia passed away Tuesday, February 20th, at 39 years old.

She passed away peacefully

Her father, Loren Broadbent, shared the news Wednesday on Facebook that she died peacefully from natural causes.

Hydeia was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.

At three years old, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive with advancement to AIDS.

Several years later after her diagnosis at age 6, Hydeia became a steadfast HIV/AIDS activist, committed to spreading awareness about the disease.

She appeared on various national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” She also appeared in New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony and Sister 2 Sister Magazine.

In 2014, Hydeia became a spokesperson for the Magic Johnson Foundation.

Hydeia Broadbent GoFundMe

In light of Hydeia’s untimely passing, her father has set up a GoFundMe.

“Hi, I am Loren Broadbent, the father of Hydeia Broadbent. Yesterday afternoon Hydeia unexpectedly passed away. Our hearts are broken. Hydeia spent her whole life since the age of five showing us all how to love, fight, and speak up for those affected with HIV and AIDS. And as much as I wish she was still here fighting the great fight, God called her home. Letting us all know. Job well done”, the GoFundMe reads.

“In honor of her memory the family would like to lay her to rest. So at this time we are asking for donations. Along with well wishes and prayers. We would like to thank you in advance. Thank you, and let’s all keep her memory alive and continue the fight where she left off.”

The family is seeking to raise $20,000. At the time of this posting, they have raised approximately $14,000.

If you are interested in donating to Hydeia’s celebration of life and supporting the family, please visit the GoFundMe for more information.


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Health & Wellness

Hydeia Broadbent, AIDS activist and motivational speaker, dies at 39

Hydeia Broadbent passed away at 39 from natural causes.

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Hydeia Broadbent
Hydeia Broadbent (Facebook)

Hydeia Broadbent, a prominent AIDS activist and motivational speaker, has passed away at age 39.

Confirmation of Hydeia Broadbent’s passing

Her passing was confirmed by her father Loren Broadbent, in a post on Facebook, sharing Hydeia died from natural causes.

“With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor, and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with AIDS since birth,” his post read.

“Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around Hiv/AIDS.”

Her incredible story

According to her website, Broadbent was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and, as an infant, was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.

At three years old, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive with advancement to AIDS.

Hydeia Broadbent and her activism

Hydeia Broadbent on Oprah

Hydeia Broadbent on Oprah

Hydeia became an activist at age 6, telling her story to the masses on various national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” She also appeared in New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony and Sister 2 Sister Magazine.

Motivational speaker

In 1996, she was a speaker at the Republican National Convention, she stated “I am the future, and I have AIDS.”

In 2002, her family published a book entitled “You Get Past The Tears,” she appeared with her family on “Extreme Home Makeover” in 2004.

Until her passing, she was an international motivational speaker and AIDS activist.

In 2014, she became a spokesperson for the Magic Johnson Foundation, as well as other AIDS activist organizations, in order “to educate people about HIV/AIDS, raise awareness, and fight discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS.”

“People think because I was born with HIV my story does not apply to them. Well, this same disease I am living with is the same disease you can get if you are aware and informed,” Broadbent said.

“I use my testimony as a warning of what you don’t want to go through.”

Most of us watched Hydeia and her bravery as she shared her story on this autoimmune disease. Her courage was something to be admired.

Unheard Voices sends its heartfelt condolences to Hydeia’s family and loved ones.


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Health & Wellness

Snoop Dogg’s daughter suffers “severe” stroke

Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus revealed in an instagram post she suffered a “severe” stroke.

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Cori broadus suffers stroke

Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus revealed she suffered a stroke.

Cori Broadus suffers stroke

On Thursday, the 24-year-old posted a photo on her Instagram Story from the hospital following the health scare.

“I had a severe stroke this a.m. I started breaking down crying when they told me,” she wrote. “Like I’m only 24, what did I do in my past to deserve all of this.”

Cori Broadus stroke (Photo Source: Instagram)

(Photo Source: Instagram)

Although Broadus didn’t provide any specific details on what led to her stroke or her recovery, the singer has had a difficult health journey for years after being diagnosed with lupus at age 6.

What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that makes your immune system damage organs and tissue throughout your body. It causes inflammation that can affect your skin, joints, blood and organs like your kidneys, lungs and heart.

Let’s keep Cori and all those battling autoimmune diseases like Lupus in our prayers. It is certainly a daily fight.


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