What Is an Autoimmune Disease?

Living with autoimmune disease has changed my life in ways many people do not see. As someone who battles scleroderma, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's, I understand the exhaustion that does not go away with rest, the pain that lingers behind a smile, and the frustration of explaining symptoms that are invisible to others. I know what it feels like to navigate flare-ups, appointments, and uncertainty while still trying to show up for everyday life. Because of this, my heart truly connects with anyone suffering from an autoimmune condition -- you are not weak, you are not exaggerating, and you are not alone. I stand with you in resilience, in hope, and in the determination to keep going, even on the hardest days. 
An autoimmune disease happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells and tissues. Instead of fighting infections, the immune system targets organs, joints, skin, nerves, or glands. 
 Key Facts 
 There are 80+ known autoimmune diseases 
 Affect an estimated 50 million Americans 
 Women are disproportionately affected (about 75% of patients) 
 Symptoms are often invisible, leading to delayed diagnosis 
 Many are chronic and require lifelong management 
 Common Autoimmune Diseases 
Here are several widely recognized autoimmune conditions: 
 Rheumatoid Arthritis 
 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 
 Multiple Sclerosis 
 Type 1 Diabetes 
 Hashimoto's Thyroiditis 
 Psoriasis 
 Celiac Disease 
 Why Awareness Matters 
 Promotes early detection 
 Encourages research funding 
 Reduces stigma around invisible illness 
 Builds community support 
 Advocates for better healthcare access 
 How to Participate 
 Wear purple, the awareness color 
 Support autoimmune research organizations 
 Attend awareness events (virtual or in-person) 
 Listen to and uplift patient stories 
 
Did you know there are 80+ autoimmune diseases affecting over 50 million Americans? These conditions cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the body, and many symptoms are invisible. 
 Today we wear purple to support those living with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and more. 
 Let us spread awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and support continued research. 
Autoimmune diseases are often invisible, but the fight is real. 
An autoimmune patient lives with a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, causing chronic inflammation, pain, and damage to organs or joints. Instead of protecting against infections, the immune system becomes overactive or misdirected, leading to symptoms that can flare unpredictably and vary widely in severity. Depending on the specific autoimmune disease, patients may experience persistent fatigue, joint swelling, muscle weakness, skin rashes, digestive problems, or organ dysfunction. Beyond physical symptoms, many also cope with emotional strain, uncertainty, and the challenges of managing long-term treatment, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. Because these conditions are often invisible to others, patients may struggle with feeling misunderstood while navigating a lifelong, complex illness. 
An autoimmune patient may cancel plans at the last minute not because they do not care, but because their body suddenly will not cooperate. Autoimmune diseases often come with unpredictable flare-ups that cause intense fatigue, joint pain, migraines, digestive distress, or brain fog, making even simple activities overwhelming. Energy levels can change hour by hour, and what felt manageable in the morning can become impossible by afternoon. Many patients carefully ration their limited energy, knowing that pushing through today could mean days of worsened symptoms tomorrow. Canceling plans is often an act of self-preservation, not avoidance -- a difficult but necessary choice to protect their health while living with a condition that others may not be able to see. 
This March, I am raising awareness for the millions living with chronic autoimmune conditions. Behind the smiles are doctor visits, fatigue, flare-ups, and resilience. If you or someone you love lives with an autoimmune disease, know this: You are seen. You are heard. You are not alone.