Living with arthritis pain can dampen even the best of days, so it’s no wonder that sometimes you feel down in the dumps. What’s worse is that the pain can halt activities that bring joy and excitement to your daily life. You may not be able to exercise, have fun with friends or family, and perhaps may be limited on performing basic tasks at home.
Because of this, so many people who suffer from arthritis may suffer from anxiety or depression. It is important to take care of your mental health, emotional well-being, and physical health when dealing with arthritis pain.
Arthritis Pain and Depression
The connection between mental health and arthritis flare-ups are common in people with arthritis. Depression and stress are common when chronic pain is a part of daily life. The rate of depression with people who have arthritis varies depending on the type of arthritis. Depression is more likely connected to people who have rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. When arthritis affects more than 6 joints, the chances of depression are 2.5 times greater than those who have arthritis in one joint.
In those who have rheumatoid arthritis, the depression rate can range from 15-39 percent according to a compilation of 72 studies in a 2013 issue of Rheumatology. This means that people with rheumatoid arthritis are 74 percent more likely to have depression than those without.
Studies prove that depression and anxiety lower your pain threshold, and chronic pain exacerbates anxiety and depression. It comes full circle. However people with arthritis and depression lead to increased functional capabilities and reduction in adherence to treatment programs. This correlation also leads to developing other health problems. This cycle of pain, depression, and negative health conditions can significantly alter your management and course of treatments for arthritis pain.
Inflammation and Depression
According to a study in 2016, increased levels of protein markers that cause arthritis inflammation are 31% higher in people with depression than without symptoms of depression. Depression is an inflammatory state and affects the same cytokines which are involved in the pain and inflammation process in arthritis.
Lifestyle Changes, Pain, and Depression
Arthritis pain is exhausting, living with it day to day. If you have a simultaneous occurring condition, the life you knew before pain started may vanish. Inflammation, pain, and fatigue can prevent you from doing the things you love and cause isolation. The negative changes not only worsen the pain, but can negatively affect your lifestyle, therefore causing depression.
Living with pain, experiencing changes to your daily life, and managing side effects from arthritis can be life changing. The causes of depression for each person may vary, but it is important to talk with your doctor as soon as possible in order to treat this condition. The key is healing your mind so you can live the highest possible quality of life.
