Arthritis and Depression - How Can You Cope?

There seems to be a distinct correlation between arthritis pain and depression. It is quite normal to feel a little blue and downhearted at times. However, for some people the stress of having to deal with the pain of arthritis can lead to full-blown depression. It seems to act like a vicious cycle. Your thoughts become negative when you think of the way your lifestyle has changed due to arthritis pain. This eventually makes you feel depressed. The more depressed you get, the more pain and fatigue you feel. This, in turn, raises your stress level and makes you even feel more depressed.

Research has shown that depression and pain are closely linked. A medical journal article concluded that people with rheumatoid arthritis were more likely to experience depression. It also seemed that people who experienced higher levels of arthritis pain were at a greater risk for depression. Having a depressed mood can make it harder to deal with arthritis pain. There is good news, however. Out of all of the mental health problems, depression is one that is most treatable. This is due largely to modern advances in medications and counseling. Your arthritis pain will not magically disappear just because your depression is being treated. However, it is able to make the experience of dealing with arthritis pain more tolerable.

If you find yourself in the throws of depression, then you need to seek professional help. There are some things you can try on your own that will help to improve your mood.

1. Spend time with your family and friends. Socializing seems to be a great depression-buster.

2. Try to keep up with your daily activities. When you are depressed, there is the urge to withdraw. Do not give in to it.

3. Become more active physically. Another potent mood-lifter is exercise.

4. Limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Drinking too much seems to make matter worse.

As was stated earlier, rates of depression seem to be much higher among patients who experience the chronic pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Any chronic and progressive physical disorder can cause depression. Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a variety of negative psychological outcomes which include depression. Experiencing daily joint pain is inevitable with those who have rheumatoid arthritis, and it is no wonder that they experience certain degrees of anxiety, depression and feelings of helplessness. You may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist in order for you to learn different coping strategies in order to effectively deal with rheumatoid arthritis and depression. You also may be put on some antidepressant medication. These medications can be a very useful choice. Being put on the right combination of drugs can positively influence your mood as well as insomnia and pain perception which can help to reduce chronic pain.

If you or a loved one suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and depression, be aware for the warning signs of suicide. It is found that people who must deal with chronic pain illnesses suffer more from depression and think about committing suicide more frequently. Here is some advice given by other arthritis sufferers on how to cope not only with their chronic pain but with their depression as well.

- Think about sharing your life with a pet. Pets are usually very loving and seem to sense when you happen to be feeling down or in severe pain. Just simply stroking your pet may make you feel better. It will help to know that you are needed by someone even if it is by your nonhuman friend.

- Try to avoid solitude. Get out of your house and do what you can. Being around other people can help distract you from thinking depressing thoughts.

- Surround yourself with happy things and happy thoughts. Stay close to your family and friends. Volunteer your services at your Church as well as other community organizations. This gives your life new meaning and purpose, and you may feel like you, too, have something worth sharing with others. During your depressed times, remind yourself of all of your blessings.

- For those people who live with chronic pain such as arthritis, depression is a normal part of their existence. Try to be gentle with yourself. Every day is different.

- Even though it may be hard, try not to focus on yourself. Accept those things you cannot change in your life and try to make the very best of it. Find positive things to think about, and do not dwell on the negative.

- Go to someone for help. This can be a doctor, pastor, friend or anyone who can lend a listening ear.

- Look around you. There is always someone who is worse off than you. Could someone use a hug or surprise visit? If you brighten someone elses day this will inevitably brighten yours.

- Talk about it. Seek professional help as soon as you no longer feel comfortable and are not quite sure what to do about it. Stop feeling alone, different or unique. People will all feel sadness to some degree. When that sadness is deep enough, it turns into depression and that is very common in those who suffer with chronic illnesses such as arthritis. Just realize that there is help. Depression is not a part of the illness you have to endure. With some help from your friends, you can take care of this.

- The more inactive you are mentally and physically, the worse depression will get. Stay busy doing something whether you feel like it or not. If you are a grandparent, have one of your grandchildren come over to help brighten your day.

- Last but not least, do NOT be afraid to seek help. Ask your primary care physician or your rheumatologist to give you a referral to see a psychiatrist. If you need one, then your psychiatrist will prescribe some antidepressant medication for you. If that does not seem to be necessary, consider going to counseling or a support group.

In conclusion, know that you do not have to endure the vicious cycle of chronic arthritis pain and depression. There are many coping mechanisms you can use to help you deal with both.

David Freeman, the author of this and many other articles on Arthritis Pain suffers from joint disease. Over the years, Mr. Freeman has learned much about Arthritis from a Patient point of view. Share your experiences with him at http://www.help-with-arthritis-pain.com/

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