| Arthritis is uncomfortable at best and can be an | | | | first line of defences against the onset of depression. |
| agonising condition as it progresses. If arthritis | | | | The onset of depression, in this context, is often |
| symptoms are allowed to develop towards and | | | | associated with: |
| beyond the middle stage we can lose mobility and with | | | | - Fear of what the future may hold for us |
| that, our self esteem. This can be very dangerous | | | | - Periods of what can be intense pain |
| because this can be the short road to depression. | | | | - Isolation through lack of mobility |
| Psychiatric problems, and especially depression, are | | | | - Loss of sleep and resultant fatigue |
| very commonly associated with some forms of | | | | - Loss of self esteem |
| arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. It can be | | | | - Extended loss of appetite with resultant nutritional |
| caused by the stress of coping with chronic disease | | | | imbalance |
| and pain, as well as the self esteem issues already | | | | - Financial worries associated with an inability to work. |
| mentioned. The co-relationship between arthritis and | | | | There are many other factors but the ones above are |
| depression is medically proven. As this is the case we | | | | very typical. Depression is a monster that feeds on |
| should all be aware of what we can do to improve | | | | itself and can become a downwards spiral that is |
| our own situation rather than relying entirely on pain | | | | difficult to recover from. |
| killers, which bring their own problems. Beyond that we | | | | No two people are the same. Some people will cope |
| need to be very aware of the symptoms of | | | | with their condition far better than others. It is also |
| depression and keep up our guard. | | | | widely believed that genetics can play a part leaving |
| If we understand more about arthritis we are better | | | | some of us predisposed towards depression. |
| placed to slow or even stop its progression. This is our | | | | |