Living with RA

Living with RA

People with RA may find it difficult to cope. Because the disease may be unpredictable, is often characterized by chronic pain, and can affect so many joints, emotional stress and depression may occur. While depression or other emotional problems do not cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can make it more difficult for a person to successfully cope with the disease.

It's important for people with RA and their families to learn all they can about the disease and to talk about it with each other, with their physicians, and with other health professionals involved in their care. Counseling from mental health professionals on how to develop coping skills and social support mechanisms may be of help. Many people are helped by arthritis support groups.

In some people with RA, special medications may be needed to relieve depression. The knowledge that you are not alone and that others understand something about the challenges you are coping with can be your best emotional support.

Since rheumatoid arthritis often is long lasting, the improved treatments or even cures that may be found in the years ahead offer great hope for those who are now in early stages of the disease.

Above all, it's important not to give up in the fight against this disease. With the proper use of medications, good health practices, appropriate amounts of rest and exercise, and the ability to cope with emotional stress, people with rheumatoid arthritis can make sure that everything is being done to control their illness. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis will lead productive, fulfilling lives despite their disease.