Mental Health

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is the level of psychological well-being or an absence of mental illness. It is the state of
someone who is "functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment".

Arthritis & Depression

People with arthritis have high rates of depression and anxiety. Many of those affected don’t receive
mental health treatment – which could potentially help with their physical arthritis symptoms

Studies show that anxiety and depression can lower your pain threshold. And then the chronic pain
aggravates your anxiety and depression. Furthermore, people with arthritis and depression tend to have
more functional limitations, are less likely to adhere to their treatment regimens, and have increased
odds of developing other health problems.

You can find yourself in a never-ending loop of pain, poor health and negative mood. This vicious cycle
can significantly change the course and management of your arthritis.

When to See a Doctor About Depression

 Your low spirits persist for two weeks or more.

 Your depression is interfering with your relationships or job.
 You have thoughts of harming yourself.
 You have physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain not
associated with arthritis that do not respond to routine treatment.
 Your symptoms include any five of the following: sleeplessness or oversleeping; loss of appetite
or overeating; frequent tears and feelings of sadness; inability to concentrate; little interest in
things you usually enjoy; fatigue; irritability, restlessness or moving about in slow motion; a
feeling of worthlessness or pervasive guilt.

When to See a Doctor About Anxiety

 You worry or obsess about concerns both small and large.

 You fear and dread things that may happen now or in the future.
 You feel restless, on edge and irritable.
 You have trouble concentrating.
 You can’t make decisions for fear of making the wrong decision.
 You have physical symptoms like muscle tension, rapid heart rate, upset stomach, dizziness or
hot flashes
Other Treatments

Psychotherapy

In talk therapy or counseling, you work with a therapist to reduce your anxiety or depression. Examples
include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and problem-solving therapy. CBT is
one of the more popular options. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Which type of therapy works best for you will depend on your symptoms, personality and preferences.

Medications

 Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine

reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) are the first-line medication treatments for depression and anxiety.
Other classes of antidepressants include tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and atypicals
(these don’t fit neatly into any of the other categories).
 Anti-anxiety medicines. Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medicine that may be used long-term.
Benzodiazepines are sedatives that relieve anxiety, but are habit-forming and are used only for
short-term needs.

“Living a fulfilling life while managing arthritis is an achievable goal. That’s why you must give as much
attention to your mental well-being as you do to your physical health.”