Background/Purpose: For over four decades, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus has impacted my Quality of Life..  I was diagnosed in 1983- my entire life was changed.  I was diagnosed and shortly thereafter my doctor started a treatment of high dose steroid medication, at the time the standard of care.  The side effects of the medication were harsh and devastating.  As a young patient, my mother and I searched for other options.  It took years, decades actually to find the right treatment interventions for me.

Intervention: The main shift in my healthcare journey was recognizing the power of the mind.  The impact of mindful breathing and mindfulness has dramatically improved my ability towards managing my physical body pain and mental health issues, reducing periods of anxiety.

Maintenance: After years of developing a mindfulness practice, my healthcare providers and I have determined that for me the benefits offered have demonstrated effective and consistent results.
Breathing with intention and a healthy awareness of what to expect from a mindfulness practice I believe should be an option that is offered to every patient living with Rheumatic conditions.

Quality of Life: Mindful breathing on a regular basis has been an important part of my daily healthcare practice.  My experience with a motivational meditation program and current individual practice has reduced my anxiety levels and increased my ability to have a sense of control over my mind and body, when the rheumatic diseases I live with will never stop.  The sense of balance that I have with mindfulness provides me with real options to help my treatment.  I strongly believe this is key to finding the balance of physical and mental health needs and my goal is to,share my positive experiences with others.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/breathing-mindfully-and-how-to-control-anxiety-in-lupus-patients/