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Sickle Cell Disease and Mental Health Awareness Month
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During Mental Health Awareness Month, we discussed how common mental health issues exist in those living with sickle cell disease and their caregivers or loved ones. We learned that people living with chronic illnesses, like sickle cell disease, are more likely to have or develop a mental health condition or experience symptoms, like anxiety, frustration, discouragement, and stress.
We learn that stress is a common trigger of painful episodes, and those with sickle cell disease may also experience paranoia, sleep disorders, and even bipolar disorders. We also learned a new term: pain-somnia, which is insomnia caused by pain.
There’s hope still in knowing that there are many ways to reduce these symptoms and improve one’s mental health. We also urge you to take care of your mental health, connect with your physician, and consider talking to a licensed therapist.
Here are some resources available to learn more about mental health in sickle cell disease:
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Sickle Cell Spotlight: Jonathan M. Lassiter, Ph.D.
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We had the opportunity to speak with and interview Dr. Jonathan M. Lassiter and learn more about his journey and experience with sickle cell disease. His unique perspective as a clinical psychologist with sickle cell disease was illuminating and he offered some insider tips for the sickle cell community. Click here find out what those tips are and to learn more about his story!
Dr. Lassiter was also a guest speaker on our podcast. His insight was amazing! But don't just take our word for it - see for yourself!
Keep up-to-date on his amazing work as a licensed clinical psychologist, professor, author, public speaker, and choreographer, who has been featured on television, radio, podcasts, and print such as PBS and Sirius XM.
Personal Website
Talks at the Schomburg
Book: Black LGBT Health in the United States
Twitter: @matjl
Instagram: @jmlassiterphd
Pronouns: he, him, his
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Mental Health Tips for Sickle Cell Disease
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Cultivate a positive support system that understands you and sickle cell disease
Take time each week devoted to activities and hobbies that you enjoy
Maintain connection with friends and family
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Seek out mental health resources in your area
Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy oils for your physical and mental health
Move your body by dancing, walking, exercising, or other favorites
Remember your water! Dehydration can cause fatigue, irritability, and other mental health systems
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Overheard in the Sickle Cell Community
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Sickle Cell Studies (SCDstudies.com) has launched!
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Visit SCDstudies.com to learn more about our new platform!
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May 20 was International Clinical Trials Day—an important day that we wanted to highlight because clinical trials are essential to discovering and providing new therapies for diseases. When we consider how complex Sickle Cell Disease is with the existence of only one cure and the presence of few treatments, research and clinical trials are critical to our community and highly requested. Our treatment options are dependent on the amount of research conducted for sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait. In honor of this meaningful day, we were happy to launch Sickle Cell Studies! Sickle Cell Studies is a resource platform to engage and encourage the sickle cell community to have a voice in sickle cell research. Together, our voices will amplify the message for new research, new treatments, and new resources. Check out the platform now at SCDstudies.com and be on the lookout for our upcoming giveaway to celebrate the launch of Sickle Cell Studies!
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