On Thursday June 16, LFJ members and friends gathered online for their monthly Support Group Meeting, organised and facilitated by members of the LFJ Services Committee including Board Members Joel Holding (Director of Services) Joel Holding and Sybil McLean.  A strong showing joined in via Zoom and welcomed guest presenter Mr Samuel McDermott, Counselling Psychologist covering the topic “Managing Stress”, selected by popular demand.  Mr McDermott shared insights on good stress and bad stress as well as different phases of stress 1. Acute phase 2. Reaction phase 3. Repair phase 4. Reorientation phase, as well as various responses to stress model and tips on how to cope with stress. He gave examples of how to develop resilience, such as:

Mr Samuel McDermott, Counselling Psychologist

1. Make connections (good relationships)

2. Be active in social and civic groups (assisting others)

3. Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems

4. Accept that change is a part of living

5. Move towards your goals

6. Look for opportunities for self-discovery (stress helps you to discover the inner you)

7. Nurture a positive view of yourself

8. Keep things in perspective

9. Maintain a healthy outlook

10. Take care of yourself.

In addition to questions and answers and sharing, attendees interacted with new and regular attendees and had opportunities to hear updates on membership benefits and upcoming events, make suggestions, sign up for membership and volunteer. 

The Lupus Foundation holds its general support group meeting on the third Thursday of every other month commencing at 6:30 p.m, while the Lupus Support Group Western JA meets on the last Wednesday of every other month at 6:00 pm.  Since restrictions of Covid-19, the groups have been meeting online via Zoom link, with limited accommodation for in-person attendance on special request.

Specialists are invited to explain various aspects of the disease as well as coping strategies living with a chronic illness at these monthly meetings.