Emotional health

Handling stress

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be frustrating and can cause many people to have high stress levels. The first step in learning to deal with stress is to identify what specifically is causing it. For example, are you worried about the side effects of your medication? Are you angry that you're unable to go jogging or play with your children the way you used to?

Feelings of anger and frustration can actually increase the amount of physical pain you feel. Once you identify the feelings that are creating stress in your life, you can work on finding solutions. Your doctor can help you in this area. You also may want to talk to a friend, family member, psychologist or social worker.

Here are some ways to relieve stress:

• Take short breaks throughout the day, away from whatever may be stressing you out.
• Take a long shower or bath while listening to relaxing music.
• Use deep-breathing exercises to become relaxed. A physical therapist can help you learn to do this properly.
• Monitor your body's response to pain in order to change its reactions. A professional can teach you how to do this.
• Take a meditation class.

Coping with depression

In some cases, the frustrations of living with RA might make people feel depressed. However, it's important to distinguish between normal feelings of sadness and actual depression.

In general, people who are depressed will lose interest in the things in life they used to enjoy, and this loss of interest can go on for an extended period of time. They can also have trouble sleeping, and may have trouble concentrating. These symptoms can last for weeks or months at a time.

If you suspect that you're suffering from depression, talk to your doctor about it. He or she may have helpful suggestions on how to cope with depression. The important thing is to be aware of your feelings. That way you can tell your doctor about how you feel and start working toward a solution. Some people coping with depression find support groups and talking with others who feel the same way helpful.

Talking about RA with others

Talking about RA with the people around you can be difficult. However, discussing your condition with family, friends and coworkers is an important part of managing RA. After all, your loved ones and coworkers can provide you with physical and emotional support when you need it the most.

The printable discussion guides below provide good starting points when talking about RA. They include questions that you may have for the people in your life along with questions you might expect in return.

Talking to friends and family
Talking about RA at work

Next — Getting Support