Tag: Lupus

Advocacy Profiles

Selena Gomez opens up about mental health challenges while living with Lupus

By abenko2016 on

By Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo: @selenagomez/INSTAGRAM

In 2016 Selena Gomez, a singer, and actor, decided to take some time for herself to focus on challenges she was experiencing due to the medical condition, Lupus. According to the CDC (2023), Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system sees the body’s healthy cells as foreign invaders and attacks them, causing inflammation and harm to the affected organs. Selena learned that the anxiety and depression she was dealing with was a side effect of lupus. Per an interview through CNN, Ms. Gomez stated, “I’ve discovered that anxiety, panic attacks, and depression can be side effects of Lupus, which can present their own challenges”. Her experience with Lupus has motivated her to focus more on her health.

Ms. Gomez discussed the treatment that she received to manage her symptoms. Interestingly, she uses chemotherapy in her treatment. She mentioned, “I was diagnosed with Lupus, and I’ve been through chemotherapy.” Ms. Gomez’s story can foster more understanding regarding Lupus, as many are not aware of the medical condition. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, Lupus impacts 1.5 million Americans. 90% (9 out of 10) people with Lupus are women, many ages 15 – 44. Individuals diagnosed with Lupus may experience symptoms such as pain, tiredness, hair loss, cognitive issues, cardiovascular disease, strokes, disfiguring rashes, and painful joints.

If you are wondering if health challenges you are experiencing may be Lupus, it is important to know the signs. Symptoms to be aware of include:

  • “Butterfly Wings” rash on face
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Stiffness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest Pain
  • Dry Eyes

Although Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, it is a fight every day by celebrities and many in our communities experience. Be encouraged and talk to your doctor if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of Lupus. Also, if you have been diagnosed with Lupus, check out the Lupus Foundation of American website here to locate a support group near you. You can also find support groups on Facebook and other forms of social media.

References:

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (2023). Lupus. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/lupus.htm

Kounang, N. (2016, August 31). Selena Gomez’s disease: What is lupus? CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2015/10/08/health/selena-gomez-reveals-she-has-lupus/index.html

Lupus Foundation of America. (2023). Lupus facts and statistics. https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-facts-and-statistics

Yahoo! (n.d.). Selena Gomez calls lupus an “everyday struggle”: What are the signs and symptoms? Yahoo! News. https://news.yahoo.com/selena-gomez-lupus-awareness-month-125648535.html?fr=yhssrp_catchall

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Nick Cannon Stands Up Against Lupus

By phameuscampaign on

Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern

Photo: Instagram/nickcannon

Nick Cannon is known for many of his attributes with his long-standing career, in the areas of as acting, rapping, and his show “Wild N’ Out“. However, like many people he has been battling lupus since 2012. Lupus is a chronic auto-immune disease that causes the body to attack itself. Mr. Cannon was first hospitalized for lupus in 2012. He was experiencing kidney failure which is a known symptom.

On Christmas day 2016, Mr. Cannon was hospitalized again for a lupus flare up as stated by CNN. During his time in the hospital, he experienced many emotions and relied strongly on his faith. It is important to understand that Lupus is an auto immune disease that can cause a flare up randomly. Nick Cannon’s strength of pushing through and choosing to fight every day is admirable.  As stated by Mr. Cannon “I’m sitting here getting stronger like ‘Iron Man’” (Melas 2016). I believe his story can help people that are experiencing lupus or undergoing test to figure out if it is cause for their current health issues. Celebrities like Mr. Cannon are brave for sharing their personal health issues with the world.

References

Melas, C. (2016, December 28). Nick Cannon Gives Health Update after spending Christmas in the hospital. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/28/entertainment/nick-cannon-lupus-hospital/index.html

McLaughlin, K. (2012, March 10). Nick Cannon on the fight for his life. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2012/03/09/showbiz/nick-cannon-on-the-fight-for-his-life/index.html

Nick Cannon, lupus warrior. Lupus Foundation of America. (n.d.). https://www.lupus.org/personal-stories/nick-cannon-lupus-warrior

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