Information on the emotional aspects of arthritis. Chronic pain, fatigue, and other limitations imposed by arthritis can impact people both physically and emotionally. Arthritis can be life-altering. During the course of the disease, the arthritis patient can experience the gamut of emotions. Learn more about dealing with your emotions.
Do you think it's embarassing to have arthritis? Is it embarassing to walk with a cane, need a handicapped parking placard, get up slowly in a restaurant, walk with a limp, fumble change at a cashier? The list goes on.
For various reasons, many arthritis patients try to conceal their disease -- especially early on. They conceal arthritis from their boss and coworkers, from their dates, from friends and even strangers. What is gained by concealing arthritis?
Think back -- do you remember how you reacted when you were diagnosed with arthritis? What was it like to hear the words -- "you have arthritis?" Do you remember that the unknown frightened you? Were you emotional? Brave? In denial?
It's difficult to be diagnosed with arthritis. The most difficult part is not knowing what comes with being diagnosed with arthritis -- what really lies ahead -- a lifetime of pain? Do you remember how you reacted when you were diagnosed with arthritis?
Is "why me" a question you have asked yourself since you have been diagnosed with arthritis? Is "why me" a mentality you have developed that helps you cope -- or one you would like to shed?
There is an emotional impact of living with chronic arthritis.
Recommendations for adjusting to emotional impact of living with chronic arthritis.
Arthritis can lead to awkward situations. You can overcome the awkwardness by knowing just what to say.
Do certain personality traits affect the ability to better cope with arthritis?
Disabled people sometimes feel envy and jealousy toward able-bodied people.
When is it the right time to tell someone that you have arthritis?
A confirmed diagnosis of arthritis can initially provoke feelings of uncertainty and fear in the newly-diagnosed patient.
The physical changes brought about by arthritis can lead to some awkward situations. The awkwardness can draw the stare of another person. What is that person who is staring really thinking.
The physical and emotional pain of arthritis can lead to social isolation.
When arthritis interferes with achievement and desires the resulting frustration can mount into anger.
Arthritis can interfere immeasurably with performing daily activities. Coping strategies may involve getting help from others, doing something differently, or finding a substitute for the activity.
Acceptance of a chronic disease does not usually come quickly after the initial diagnosis. Learning how to adapt can be a long process for some people.
Avoidance, procrastination, and indecision can contribute to many hours of mental anguish.
How should a person with arthritis be treated? The answer seems simple: we all want to be treated equally. But because arthritis can limit a person’s mobility, people often aren’t sure how or when to offer help, from Arthritis Foundation.
You have all heard of "What goes around, comes around." You choose to demonstrate integrity in your decisions and actions, and to show kindness and understanding instead of callousness, deceit, or other "ugly" behaviors and attitudes. But, naturally, you are human and you sometimes slip up and make mistakes.
The 4 "F"s (Family, Friends, Faith, Forgetting) and their role in coping with chronic illness, from MedicineNet.
Anger like most things in real life is often double-edged, from stressdoc.com.
