Experts Reveal Steps That May Help to Avoid Arthritis-Related Depression and Anxiety

(Newswire.net — January 19, 2017) Orlando, FL — There are certain undesirable psychological consequences that are commonly suffered by individuals with arthritis. Despite the mental and physical struggles sufferers are susceptible to, there are certain techniques they may resort to in making their life better.

Experts reveal the steps that may help to avoid arthritis-related depression and anxiety. Arthritis may cause pain, inflammation, immobility, and even disability. All of these physical symptoms may eventually impact the psychological health of sufferers.

According to the National Pain Foundation, nearly all of individuals with chronic pain have mood changes, and around 30% of them suffer from depression. Depression may increase arthritis pain. Anxiety, on the other hand, may alter or negatively affect one’s perception of pain.

Mahmoud Ahmed, MD, a psychiatrist at Marshfield Clinic at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI, states that an anxiety disorder is a fear of fear. Individuals who suffer from anxiety usually have a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen. Sufferers are often obsessed with unreasonable fear.

Anxiety sufferers are also more likely to have severe physical symptoms when they are confronted with certain situations. These symptoms include a pounding heart or a feeling that they are going to die.

Arthritis pain may trigger anxiety for sufferers, such as being fearful of losing their job over the physical limitations caused by arthritis.

Depression is common among individuals who suffer from severe pain. Sufferers often experience helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, irritability, exhaustion, and restlessness. Sleep, appetite, and the ability to socialize may also suffer as a result of depression.

Jackson Rainer, PhD, a psychologist specializing in arthritis and Dean of the graduate school at Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC, states that individuals with chronic pain are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

Dr. Rainer also recommends that sufferers should make pain management a priority. They may seek the help of a pain specialist or rheumatologist who can recommend the right combination of pharmaceutical drugs and/or lifestyle changes for arthritis sufferer to help regain control.

Experts also recommend that sufferers should talk to a psychotherapist and consider taking an antidepressant. They should also engage in physical exercise, remove themselves from stressful situations, and try to do things they love.

Managing pain and reducing immobility are important in fighting anxiety and depression. There are pain medications available, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are widely used by athletes and individuals with arthritis.

However, for individuals who want to avoid the potential side effects linked with the use of these pharmaceutical drugs, they may resort to safer, natural alternatives such as glucosamine.

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