7 Ways To Manage Mental Health With Arthritis: Navigating Mental Health

Sidrah Abbasi

Pharmacology

7 Ways To Manage Mental Health With Arthritis: Navigating Mental Health

Managing mental health with arthritis is a very complicated task. As much as arthritis is physically debilitating, it is also mentally traumatizing to deal with this kind of pain. With the chronic nature of the disease, one builds up frustration over time. This can take a toll on his physical, emotional, and mental health.

Constantly having to live in pain, the struggle to perform day-to-day activities, the anxiety of losing connections with friends and family, and over-thinking about the progression of the disorder - all of these factors contribute to stress. Stress is strongly linked with inflammation and, hence, leads to the worsening of arthritis.

7 Ways To Manage Mental Health With Arthritis

Management of arthritis not only requires medication but also requires strategies to maintain overall well-being and mental health. Several steps involved in dealing with the mental health of arthritis patients include:

1. Seek Professional Help and Support

It is important to seek help from healthcare professionals such as orthopedicians, physiotherapists, and psychologists.
A compassionate healthcare team can play a great role in the progression of treatment.
You can engage yourself in counseling sessions and this will prevent you from bottling up your emotions and the therapist will help you in developing a positive approach towards living with the disorder.
The doctor must listen to the patient’s problem and deal with it in an empathetic manner.

2. Stay Informed:

Knowledge can play an empowering role in dealing with arthritis.
Educate yourself on the types, symptoms, effects, and treatment options of arthritis. Make an effort to stay informed.
This will promote effective communication with the healthcare team.
This will be helpful in making informed decisions according to your condition, advocating for yourself during medical appointments, and developing personalized healthcare plans.

3. Practice Self-Care

Remember to take the best care of yourself.
Participate in activities that contribute to mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Engage in the hobbies that you enjoy such as painting, knitting, listening to music, etc.
Try to follow a proper sleep schedule, and maintain a consistent bedtime routine to maintain the overall health of the body.
An adequate amount of sleep naturally helps in normalizing stress levels.
You can include certain stress-relieving ingredients in your diet plan, such as chamomile tea, peppermint tea, etc.
These might help you calm down and prevent you from overthinking.
Identify the major sources of stress in your life and try to minimize them. Remember, your health is your utmost priority.

4. Stay active:

Regularly involving oneself in physical activity is important to maintain one’s mental as well as physical health.
Identify activities that cause less strain on the joints and activities that you might find enjoyable, such as swimming, walking, or yoga.
Remember to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, especially if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
It's important to find a balance between staying active and giving your body the rest it needs to recover.
Consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or physical therapist to create a personalized exercise plan that suits your specific needs and limitations.
This can help ensure that you are engaging in activities that are safe and beneficial for your overall well-being.

5. Manage Pain:

Keeping your pain manageable is important to maintain overall well-being. Keep a check on yourself.
Try to look for medications or new treatments that might help you keep your pain within a manageable range and minimize discomfort.
Seek guidance from healthcare professionals and have regular check-ups to manage pain well.
Some of the newly evolved approaches to pain management include acupuncture, mindfulness stress reduction, and cognitive behavior therapy.

6. Set Realistic Goals

Be specific and realistic while setting goals, such as exercising for 20 minutes daily to improve flexibility and mobility of joints.
Clearly define what you want to achieve.
For example, instead of "exercise more," specify "I will exercise for 20 minutes daily to improve flexibility and joint mobility."
Try to set achievable goals according to your condition rather than being hard on yourself.
For instance, if you're starting from scratch, committing to 20 minutes of exercise daily is more feasible than aiming for an hour, which might feel overwhelming.
Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach makes progress feel more achievable. For example, if your ultimate goal is weight loss, break it down into monthly targets.
Keep a track of your achievements. This helps you stay motivated and provides a clear picture of your journey towards your goal.
Consistency is key to achieving any goal. Establishing daily or weekly routines can help embed new habits into your lifestyle.
Acknowledge and celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
Rewards can be simple, like treating yourself to a movie night after sticking to your exercise routine for a week.

7. Maintain social connections:

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Join support groups and try to maintain your social connections.
Having a strong support system can help you navigate the challenges of living with chronic pain.
Surround yourself with understanding and compassionate individuals from your friends and family who can provide emotional support.
Exchange your worries with loved ones. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.

Each of these strategies contributes to a positive approach to arthritis management, promoting overall well-being and improving quality of life despite the challenges posed by this chronic condition.

By actively engaging in self-care practices and utilizing appropriate resources, individuals can enhance their ability to cope with the emotional and physical challenges of arthritis and live fulfilling lives.

Arthritis Overview & Treatment Management Guide

Check 5 step detailed guide on Arthritis Overview & Treatment Management.

1. Arthritis Types	4. Mental Health Impact
2. Arthritis Treatment	5. Future Treatment
3. AI For Arthritis

By seeking professional help, staying informed, practicing self-care, staying active, managing pain effectively, setting realistic goals, and maintaining social connections, individuals can enhance their ability to cope with the emotional and physical challenges of arthritis.

Conclusion

Overall, Managing mental health alongside arthritis requires a multifaceted approach that integrates medical care, self-care practices, and social support.

Check Drlogy's Arthritis Overview & Treatment Management Guide for detailed arthritis treatment information and solution related to this diseases.

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