Relevant studies continue to show that the existence of arthritis condition in this country is high, with an estimated 20 million people affected. Of course, arthritis is a broad-ranging medical term that refers to auto-immune inflammatory conditions of joints co-existing with stiffness, pain, and often structural deformities. It can either be acute or chronic and has various types; and of the almost one-third (32%) of the UK population who have the condition, the most common one is rheumatoid arthritis.
But as we can all attest, the effects of this chronic condition are not limited to the purely physical. There is a clear and equally profound relationship between arthritis and mental health.
Mental Aspects of the Disease
Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and other mental health conditions are seen to be significantly higher in arthritis patients as compared to otherwise healthy individuals. Indeed, the research demonstrates that as many as a third of people with arthritis will be clinically depressed. Unsurprisingly, the challenge of coping with chronic progressive pain, the attendant physical disabilities, and the inevitable shrinking of independence, all associated with arthritis, means that negative emotions are customary.
The Worst Effects
- Fatigue resulting from a loss of sleep or disrupted sleep, as well as the extra physical effort required to undertake even simple tasks with stiff and painful joints, is a familiar effect. There are several natural creams and oils that can have a very positive effect both on helping to reduce the intensity of the inflammation and on soothing strained muscles and so promoting better sleep.
If you would like, you can see some examples of these natural remedies, which are all free of parabens and artificial colours, by clicking here;
- Limitations to physical activities, which badly hamper routine life activities and productivity, are common consequences of the arthritic condition. Simple tasks like getting up, walking, and moderate physical activity may become difficult and as a result, we experience a loss of opportunities, and a diminished daily life, which, inevitably, challenges the stability of our mental health.
You can also see our large range of mobility aids here – they include Walkers, Rollators, and Walking Sticks.
- As we know, arthritis is not simply a condition of the elderly and many younger, still economically active people, can be badly affected. Where the condition reduces the sufferer’s ability to continue earning a livelihood, the damage is not just financial but also mental and if the person is still young then the fear of having a chronic illness throughout life will very obviously negatively impact mental health.
The Known Symptoms
Arthritis causes an increase in the serum levels of the inflammatory marker C- reactive protein (CRP). The consequence can be an intensity of the symptoms of anxiety and depression including the following:
- Low self-esteem
The ongoing nature of chronic pain and its consequent physical disability can readily promote negative self-feelings and lead to poor self-confidence
- Bad mood
And with a condition that, as we have seen, can cause stress. poor sleep, tiredness, and over-strenuous effort for even simple tasks, the combination of factors can lead to frequent bad moods
- Feelings of worthlessness
A most depressing condition can have an individual experiencing sensations of desperation and even hopelessness, with little to be optimistic or positive about.
- Anger and frustration
There can be many triggers to the feelings of anger and frustration and there is no doubt that other consequences of arthritis such as enduring pain and disability, exhaustion, and financial loss, all provide fertile ground for these emotions.
- Lack of excitement and motivation in routine life
Lack of motivation, enthusiasm, and expressions of joy for life are considered symptoms of depression and can be a result of many factors, including a medical condition such as arthritis.
Sum Up
It is clear that mental and physical health go hand in hand and an ailment such as arthritis almost certainly accelerates a deterioration in emotional and mental well-being.
There is an understandable focus on the treatment of the physical condition and alleviating the symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
But equal consideration deserves to be paid to the individual’s mental well-being as it is arguable that by building our mental resilience, we succeed in doing so in our physical body too as we become more energetic, stronger, and altogether more positive in our outlook.