It is emotionally tough for anyone to find out that they have a chronic disease. It is natural for that person to have negative thoughts and emotions, which can result in the development of stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, patients with arthritis need to take care of both their physical and mental health. Right treatment and management will help to live well with arthritis.
Emotional Problems You May Experience
People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to suffer from following emotional problems:
- Anxiety: It usually develops in response to circumstances in life, such as having a chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Stress: Patients with arthritis are susceptible to live with stress. Stress affects the immune system and may have a role in triggering the condition of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Depression: It is a common condition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially in those with any arthritis-related It is a dangerous disorder that can raise the risk of harming yourself. Therefore, it is very important to be aware for signs of depression so that it can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
- Shock: A person may be shocked after being diagnosed with a chronic disease.
- Frustration: Persistent pain and reduced abilities make a person feel frustrated.
- Hopelessness: Arthritis patients may feel hopeless about the future.
- Embarrassment: A person with arthritis may feel embarrassed due to disabilities
- Irritability: Pain, fatigue, frustration, and anxiety associated with arthritis makes a person irritable.
If You Think You Might Have Depression or Anxiety:
- seek help from a doctor as early as possible
- get involved in social activities
- exercise regularly
- learn about depression, anxiety, and arthritis
- eat a healthy, balanced diet
- maintain a healthy weight
- limit alcohol drinking
- get help from family and friends
Benefits of Yoga for Arthritis-related Emotional Problems
Yoga is a safe and effective way to enhance physical activity. It can enhance the muscle strength, improve flexibility, and promote balance. It improves anxiety, depression, and psychological stress. It is linked to a wide range of physical and psychological benefits, which helps a person to live with arthritis.
Yoga can be adapted in many different ways to protect the joints and as per the requirements of most people. It is found to boost energy, relieve anxiety and build positive feelings. People living with an ongoing illness, especially one which is painful and unpredictable have the mood-boosting impact of yoga as a great bonus.
Yoga has a great role in the management of stress associated with arthritis. While practicing yoga you learn to listen to and respect your body. You learn to focus on yourself and on calming your body.
