Arthritis not only creates physical symptoms but also impacts your mental health. Studies suggest that a large number of people with arthritis develop depression, stress, and anxiety. Arthritis symptoms and mental health issues are found to create a vicious cycle, as one can make the other worse. Therefore, it is important for arthritis patients to promote their mental health to keep their symptoms at bay.
There can be a wide range of factors that can contribute to the development of mental health issues in people suffering from arthritis. Therefore, we analyze the reasons that can cause depression and stress in people with arthritis.
Arthritis Pain
Having to suffer from chronic and persistent pain can be debilitating and frustrating. The severe pain can make it difficult for you to do your everyday activities and it can also be hard for you to engage in activities you love. Additionally, chronic pain can even make it difficult for you to sleep.
People with severe arthritis pain can experience physical and emotional stress. Dealing with the pain throughout the day can drain you out of energy and make you feel exhausted. Studies suggest that the chance to develop various mental health disorders can increase based on the increase in the intensity of the pain. Therefore, you can experience stress, depression, and anxiety because of the pain resulting from arthritis.
Additionally, these mental health issues can make your pain worse. Problems like depression can reduce a person’s ability to deal with pain and other arthritis symptoms thereby making their condition worse.
Inflammation
Inflammation is another factor that can affect the health of arthritis patients. Certain cytokines that are responsible for creating pain and inflammation in arthritis patients are found to cause depression.
Therefore, taking proper arthritis treatment to control inflammation and pain is important for people with this condition to reduce the risk of depression and improve their mental health.
Mobility Issues
Arthritis symptoms including pain, stiffness, inflammation, etc. can have a negative impact on your mobility. Additionally, this condition can cause extreme fatigue that can prevent you from engaging in activities you love. Therefore, you can feel stressed out and depressed because of the mobility issues resulting from this disorder.
So if you are suffering from arthritis, it is important for you to take proper preventive measures to reduce the risk of depression, stress, and other mental health issues. Ask your doctor about the effective ways to cope with such issues if you are suffering from severe symptoms caused by arthritis.
