October 12th is World Arthritis Day. The Think Positive theme acknowledges that arthritis can affect you emotionally as well as physically. It's important to realize, though, there are a number of positive things you can do to improve your quality of life.
Each year a survey is associated with World Arthritis Day -- a project run by EULAR Standing Committee of People With Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe. This year, the survey was taken by more than 3,600 people. Results revealed that 97% of people with arthritis and those who care for them believe the disease affects them emotionally -- and 5% said it can lead to depression.
Even though a high number of respondents acknowledged the emotional aspect of the disease -- only 35% said they bring it up with their doctor. Approximately 85% of respondents said psychological care should be part of the overall treatment plan for arthritis and half said they would like access to self-management courses. Health care professionals also said they are increasingly aware of the psychological aspect of the disease. I've taken the survey and you can too. The World Arthritis Day "Think Positive" survey will run until the end of October.
Related Resources:
- A Positive Approach to Arthritis
- 8 Best Things to Do for Arthritis
- 10 Ways to Improve Your Life With Arthritis
- The Many Emotions of Chronic Arthritis
- Emotional Impact of Arthritis - What Should You Do?
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Photo by Duane Ellison (iStockphoto)
