In this episode, our co-hosts Estela and Juana delve deep into the often overlooked but critically important topic of mental health for those living with AiArthritis diseases. They discuss the significant impact these health challenges have on both the body and the mind, supported by eye-opening statistics that 52% of patients with autoimmune diseases are diagnosed with a mental health condition within a year. Tune in to hear Estela and Juana break down the science behind these connections, share their personal experiences and provide practical strategies to manage mental health while navigating life with AiArthritis diseases.

Episode Highlights:

• Defining AiArthritis diseases and their comprehensive impact on mental health
• Discussion on the challenges of living with unpredictable flares
• Juana's personal experience with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus and their impact on her mental health
• Importance of self-care strategies such as rest, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness techniques.
• Benefits of therapy, counseling, and connecting with social support groups.

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Donate to Support the Show: https://www.aiarthritis.org/donate

Follow AiArthritis on all social media platforms @IFAiArthritis

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Connect with our Co-Hosts:

Estela is the President and co-founder of Looms for Lupus, a nonprofit providing advocacy and support for those affected by Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and mental health issues. With over 30 years in healthcare, she currently supports private practices with electronic medical records and office workflows. Estela co-founded Looms for Lupus in 2011 after her sister's near-fatal battle with Lupus and Immune Thrombocytopenia, channeling her passion into empowering and supporting the community. She collaborates with initiatives to increase diversity in clinical trials and advocates both locally and nationally.

Connect with Estela:

Facebook:@estelamata @looms4lupus

Instagram: @estela_mata @looms4lupus

Twitter: @estelamata @looms4lupus

LinkedIn: @Estela Mata-Carcamo

Website: www.looms4lupus.org

Juana is the co-founder of Looms for Lupus, a nonprofit supporting Lupus survivors, their families, and caregivers. Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus in 2009, she facilitates bilingual support groups and advocates nationally for Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and Mental Health. Juana has served as a patient advisor, consumer advocate, and is a member of several advisory councils and task forces. Professionally, she is a Children's Social Worker for the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services.

Connect with Juana:

Facebook: Juana Mata

Instagram: @juany_mata

Twitter: @Matajuanamata

LinkedIn: Juana Mata

AiArthritis Voices 360 is produced by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis. Visit us on the web at www.aiarthritis.org/talkshow. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook (@IFAiArthritis) or email us (podcast@aiarthritis.org). Be sure to check out our top-rated show on Feedspot!

In this episode, Leila shares the exciting plans for the upcoming World AiArthritis Day on May 20th with AiArthritis. Delve into why raising awareness for AiArthritis diseases is crucial and discover ways you can actively participate on the global initiative. Through flashback segments, our co-hosts dissect the layers surrounding the term "arthritis," unraveling misunderstandings, family judgments, and the complexities of distinguishing AiArthritis from other conditions. Tune in for insightful discussions on diagnosis delays, access to treatments, fostering better health outcomes and how you can be a part of World AiArthritis Day!

Episode Highlights:

• AiArthritis plans for World AiArthritis Day on May 20th
• How listeners can actively engage in the global initiative
• Common Misunderstandings of Arthritis
• Significance of raising awareness for AiArthritis diseases and the complexities of distinguishing AiArthritis from other conditions.
• Patient insights into diagnosis delays and the effects on treatment plans.

Interested in getting involved?

https://www.aiarthritis.org/aiarthritisday

https://twitter.com/aiarthritisday

https://www.instagram.com/worldaiarthritisday

https://www.facebook.com/AiArthritisDay

Fundraiser: https://givebutter.com/AiArthritisWAiAD24

Race-a-Thon: https://www.facebook.com/events/1511735302713694/

Donate to Support the Show: https://www.aiarthritis.org/donate

Follow AiArthritis on all social media platforms @IFAiArthritis

Sign up for our Monthly AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show newsletter! HERE

Connect with our Co-Hosts:

• Leila is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus Nephritis and Sjögren’s Disease. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity in health education and meeting individuals where they are at in order to learn in a way that resonates with them. Leila is on social media as @Lupus.Lifestyle.Lei sharing bits and pieces about her life with lupus and connecting with others. Connect with her on Instagram or TikTok.

Connect with Leila:

Instagram: @lupus.lifestyle.lei

TikTok: @lupus.lifestyle.lei

AiArthritis Voices 360 is produced by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis. Visit us on the web at www.aiarthritis.org/talkshow. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook (@IFAiArthritis) or email us (podcast@aiarthritis.org). Be sure to check out our top-rated show on Feedspot!

In this episode, co-hosts Leila, Estela, and Kerry delve into the crucial topic of social wellness amidst living with AiArthritis disease. They explore the essence of social wellness, its significance and sharing personal insights on navigating social lives while managing health challenges. Join our co-hosts as they discuss both the supportive and challenging dynamics of maintaining an active social life with an AiArthritis disease and how online communities can positively impact social wellness. Drawing from community questions and experiences, they offer invaluable advice, practical tips, and thoughtful modifications to foster social fulfillment despite potential barriers. Tune in to learn how to prioritize social wellness in the face of chronic illness.

Episode Highlights:

• Definition and exploration of social wellness, emphasizing its importance in maintaining overall well-being.
• How social wellness can negatively and positively affect your AiArthritis disease
• Discussion on the cohosts' personal experiences with their social lives and how they navigate social interactions while managing their health conditions.
• Insights into the reactions of family and friends to the cohosts' social needs, highlighting both supportive and challenging aspects.
• How you can utilize technology to connect to your community to positively impact your social life.
• Answering community questions and comments regarding social wellness by sharing practical advice, tips, and modifications for fostering social fulfillment despite potential barriers.

Donate to Support the Show: https://www.aiarthritis.org/donate

Sign up for our Monthly AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show newsletter! HERE

Connect with our Co-Hosts:

• Leila is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus Nephritis and Sjögren’s Disease. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity in health education and meeting individuals where they are at in order to learn in a way that resonates with them. Leila is on social media as @Lupus.Lifestyle.Lei sharing bits and pieces about her life with lupus and connecting with others. Connect with her on Instagram or TikTok.

Connect with Leila:

Instagram: @lupus.lifestyle.lei

TikTok: @lupus.lifestyle.lei

• Kerry is a writer and patient advocate living with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, Sjögren's syndrome, and small fiber neuropathy/dysautonomia (to name a few). As these conditions took their toll and she became less physically able, Kerry became empowered to use her voice to advocate for herself and for patients like her. She is currently working on "Kaleidoscope," a collection of rare disease stories.

Connect with Kerry:

Instagram: @buttahflyk

Twitter: @buttahflyk

Facebook: @floatlikeabuttahfly

Website: http://bit.ly/floatlikeabuttahfly

• Estela Mata is the President and co-founder of Looms for Lupus, a non-profit organization that provides Lupus, Fibromyalgia and Mental Health Awareness, advocacy, and support to those living with these conditions, their loved ones, and caregivers.

Connect with Estela:

Instagram: @estela_mata @looms4lupus

LinkedIn: @Estela Mata-Carcamo

AiArthritis Voices 360 is produced by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis. Visit us on the web at www.aiarthritis.org/talkshow. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook (@IFAiArthritis) or email us (podcast@aiarthritis.org). Be sure to check out our top-rated show on Feedspot!