Arthritis and mental health might seem unrelated at first glance, but the truth is quite the contrary. People with arthritis are often afflicted with mental health issues. It’s not easy to live with constant pain, fatigue, and decreased mobility. Sooner or later, your mental health is bound to go for a toss if you don’t take proper care of your well-being.
New research confirms the undeniable linkage between arthritis and mental health. It has been found that the processes that lead to inflammation are also linked to mental health conditions like depression. Now is the right time to pay attention to your emotional and mental state as well.
Let’s understand this connection more deeply and how you can manage Arthritis and mental health.
How Poor Mental Well-Being Affects Arthritis
Several studies indicate that anxiety and depression can significantly reduce your threshold to handle pain. The chronic pain further aggravates depression and anxiety. When dealing with arthritis for a long time, individuals with arthritis and anxiety are faced with functional limitations due to low mobility and have higher odds of developing other health problems as well. The vicious cycle of pain, bad health, & foul mood will keep feeding off of each other and the end result will be more arthritis pain. Prolonged joint pain can lead to severe arthritis conditions where surgery will only be the way ahead.
Recent studies have indicated that depression can cause a spike in C-reactive protein levels in our body which is a marker of inflammation. This inflammation further affects your mental well-being and bone health - leading to the onset or worsening of arthritis.
So, managing mental health, emotional wellness and bone strength is extremely crucial to remain healthy and strong.
Symptoms of Stress & Poor Mental Health
To manage arthritis and stress better, it’s essential to take care of your mental well-being first. The stronger you get a grip on tackling arthritis and mental health, the better your health will be and the chances of recovery will increase as well. Here are a few anxiety and depression symptoms to look out for in order to take proper precautions before it gets late.
- Worry
- Irritability/ Restlessness
- Focus issues
- Sleep issues
- Rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, shortness of breath, digestive problems, or dizziness
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt
- Lack of stimulating hobbies and activities.
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Drastic changes in weight
- Aches or pains, cramps, & headaches
How to Turn the Tables on Arthritis with Daily Self-Care
Now that you know how bad mental health can affect arthritis and what are the onset symptoms of anxiety, we’ve collated some tips that will help you manage arthritis and mental health, the right way.
- Talk to someone you trust. It can be a relative, partner, friend, or healthcare professional. Speak your mind with the closest ones. Sometimes, feeling heard can do wonders for your mental health.
- We all need to face the music that stress is unavoidable in our fast-paced lives. Practising stress management for bone health will help you unwind and relax. Find ways to de-stress and take care of your mental health correctly.
- Take quick steps to treat arthritis. If you see any symptoms related to joint pain, stiffness, or issues in general mobility, consult a doctor immediately. Treat arthritis before it starts affecting your mental well-being and your overall health.
- Exercise daily to burn out the toxins and jog your muscles. Perform low-intensity workouts. Exercising daily can improve your mental health manifolds.
- Soak in the heat from the sun and get vitamin D in your body. It is excellent for bone and joint health.
- Take safe and effective supplements like three60+ Daily Joint Care & Protect tablets to protect your bones, reduce joint pain, improve knee flexibility, and help repair cartilage tissues.
Striking the right balance between managing arthritis and mental health will allow you to relax and prevent your condition from worsening. The journey to better well-being might feel tough owing to joint aches but once you’ve achieved your goal, your body will thank you!
