The Charlton Centre

Certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis affect minority groups more than others. In addition, up to 50% of all patients with autoimmune diseases experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety which can impact their quality of life.

Minority groups face difficulties when accessing mental health care.

• Statistics show that minority groups visit doctors less often. Many minorities have limited healthcare coverage, making it harder to access mental health services and treatments.
• Cultural stigma about mental health issues can prevent individuals from seeking help.
• Previous bad experiences in healthcare have caused many to lose trust in doctors and nurses.
• There is a lack of cultural variety among mental health professionals. This can make it difficult for patients to find providers who understand their experiences.

While the exact relationship between autoimmune diseases and mental health problems is not clear, some possible explanations include:

1. Individuals with autoimmune diseases generally have higher levels of chemical signals that promote inflammation, which can affect other signals in the body responsible for regulating mood and energy (serotonin). This can look like depression-related symptoms, including fatigue and disrupted sleep and appetite.
2. The ongoing stress of managing an autoimmune condition can worsen mental health concerns.
3. Complications from autoimmune diseases can reduce the functional ability of patients, leading to difficulties performing daily activities and can affect mental health.

How to prioritize your mental health while managing your immune-mediated condition:

1. Learn About Your Condition: Gain a detailed understanding of your autoimmune disease to better manage its symptoms.
2. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive family members, friends, or people in similar situations by joining support groups to share your experiences and emotions.
3. Work with your family doctors and specialists to ensure you receive care tailored to your needs.
4. Incorporate Stress-Reduction Techniques: Engage in activities you enjoy, such as playing sports, doing crafts, or mindfulness exercises to alleviate stress and manage the emotional toll of your illness.
5. Seek Professional Help: Explore mental health counseling to address any psychological challenges you may face. Websites like psychologytoday.com provide a wide range of therapists, psychologists, and social workers in your area, including those who may share a similar background as you.

Joyce Ayad is a 4th year pharmacy student from the University of Waterloo, currently completing her final rotation at Charlton Health. She believes in providing patient-focused care, supported by her previous experience working with specialty drugs, the pharmaceutical industry, and more. Joyce is eager to become a licensed pharmacist this year.