How can you stay positive with arthritis

being positive with arthritis

Arthritis can be a true downer. But there are ways brighten your prospects, even if all what you want to do is going back to bed

There is the physical side of arthritis: achy joints so stiff and you can hardly hold a cup of coffee. And then there's the effect on your emotions that arthritis can have.

Anxiety, Stress and depression can  accompany with arthritis, and staying positive can be a real challenge. But understanding the link between emotions and physical symptoms can help. So can learning strategies on how to stay optimistic when living with arthritis.

Arthritis, mood and stress

People suffering from arthritis face an increased risk of depression. A study was published in the journal Arthritis 2015, the researchers was found that people with osteoarthritis who need joint replacement surgery, those who had 6 or more tender joints are more likely to have depression than those who had symptoms in a single joint. And the risk of depression increased with the number of affected joints.

A cause of the problem is that chronic pain can increase stress alone, and depression, anxiety, However Arthritis may take emotionally toll limiting our capability to do things you have taken for granted.

"When someone loses ability to do thing that they used to do, such as opening a jar, this may be so frustrating, and some people are depressed by their limits,"  "Arthritis does not cause depression. Depression is caused by the Functional limitations of arthritis. "

Strategies of Anti-Stress for Arthritis

The anxiety and stress of living with chronic pain, to fight against daily activities, And need to rely upon others for help can make our arthritis worse, both emotionally and physically. Consider these steps to help you control stress and anxiety and reduce your chances of depression associated with arthritis:

Continue moving. regular exercising, such as swimming, walking or cycling Can reduce pain and stimulate your mood, according to the American College of Rheumatology. The organization recommends an exercise program that includes weight training, aerobics and exercises range and stretching.

As you improve your symptoms of arthritis, activity physical also helps reduce stress. Regular exercise can even work as well as medication to reduce depression and anxiety, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Practical relaxation. Meditating, yoga and tai chi can all help you to relax, which can help you cope with depression and anxiety associated with arthritis. tai chi and Yoga can also help coordinate joints, posture and balance.

Lean on your friends. Have network of social support is a part of what can help you to deal with arthritis. Being with friends and family is not just can help to raise your mood, But it may also give you people to turn toward whenever you need assistance with tasks and when you need someoone to talk to.

Sleep early. Getting enough sleep will help you to feel refreshed in the morning and may also help reducing joint pain, which can stimulate your mood and improve your outlook. A study published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research in October 2015 found that people with osteoarthritis of the knee were had pain more than if they suffered from insomnia.

It may seem difficult to having more sleep when you feel in pain, but the National Sleep Foundation says make sleep a priority can really help. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, practicing relaxation techniques can help you achieve your sleep goals. And if you take sleeping pills or painkillers, be sure to do so under the supervision of a doctor.

Resetting your thinking. In the study of insomnia, Researchers have also found that people with OA who "catastrophized" or saw their disease negatively feel more pain. Keeping a positive mind is critical when you have arthritis.

"Be thankful that you can concentrate on what you can do, not on what you can not," . If this is too hard to do alone, Tell your doctor about how you feel or visit a therapist for help.