Mental health

[Totaleclipse25]

Hi all, This post is not arthritis related....however I am really struggling with my mental health lately, feeling constantly down and no motivation to do anything in my free time apart from go to work. I do suffer with Rheumatoid arthritis but it's manageable, just wondering if anyone else feels like this?

[Downtime]

I’m feeling like this at the moment as well. My RA is ok but I have a few other health issues none of which stop me doing things really but I can’t get motivated. I’m hoping I’ll get over it and get going but I keep finding things which seem to stop me .

[sylvi]

I always say we all get depressed at some time or other with our disease darling. I hope you soon feel brighter my lovely. xxx

[AgedCrone in reply to sylvi]

I agree with you Sylvi..I can usually get my act together…but I think the atmosphere lingering from Covid has sort of allowed us to feel down more easily.

Only thing to do is push on…..I know I’m not clinically depressed,I know I don’t need any medication….I just need to take a breath & I will bounce back. I’m sure there are a lot of people in the same position.

[sylvi in reply to AgedCrone]

Your right there darling. I do my best to keep going and sometimes i am my own worst enemy as i won't give in.xxx

[3LittleBirds2 in reply to AgedCrone]

I agree with this. I am the same, I thought i was just about getting back to normal after lockdowns etc, then caught Covid which knocked back I have to admit! Strange feeling, not really depressed but just feel low and wary of crowds etc but not really because of catching Covid, just find loads of people together over whelming.

[allanah]

Yes I did especially in the first few years ofter diagnosis. The long term of it really got to me and I struggled with exhaustion and was anxious and down. I spoke to my gp and was lucky my employers were able to let me talk to a counsellor who helped me come to terms with the illness.

NRAS helpline were brilliant, I could phone them ,sometimes a couple of times a day and they got me through.

There is light at the end of this tunnel though . I'm not much better on the treatment and doing lots more.

Take the plunge and call someone, it might help x

[summer32A]

How about looking into an activity you have always fancied?Or treat yourself to a pick up hair di, facial or manicure?

Meet a friend for coffee and cake?.

If low mood continues seek advice from GP,

Some surgeries can provide advice via a social prescription which can be a mindfulness class or something else too

[Hidden]

Morning. I think counselling should be offered to everyone when first diagnosed. Not everyone has a support system. Refer yourself to IAPTS or ask your GP surgery about their social prescribing service. Counselling helped me loads, but I was without any kind of support for several years. My mental health was severely affected.

[cyberbarn]

In addition to the previous answers there is another possibility. Sometimes inflammation in the body can cross over to the brain where the effect is depression. There is a book called The Inflamed Mind: A Radical New Approach to Depression by Edward Bullmore. He started out as a rheumatologist but switched to psychiatry and never forgot those early rheumatoid patients who were depressed. He felt it was more than just being depressed due to having a life long disease. And he was right.

Here is a review of the book that explains more nature.com/articles/d41586-...

[Hisue in reply to cyberbarn]

Thank you. This is a great article; my family acted like I was a “nut”- I found myself “frozen” or in fight/flight with sudden unset of severe RA. Was on high dose prednisone & dmards. Told the gp & rheumatologist & they ignored my issues- I felt like I was dying from the pain & anxiety….

Sisters & brother in law told me I was lazy, dumb, mentally ill & cursed me out & tried to put me in a mental clinic rather than taking me to the hospital or calling dr. I am educated, quiet & polite.

[medway-lady]

Life is a series of ups and downs. So it just may be that being a bit down is due to the long winter, needing a holiday, the cost of living nowadays and a job that you may find boring or even just fed up with the wallpaper in your bedroom. That is not belittling how you feel but just saying look at your life in its totality not just as a person with RA. It may be of course related to RA but as you say yours is manageable so could be better than managed and put into remission which is after all the hope for all of us. I do honestly feel a lot of sympathy for anyone who is depressed but it is concerning that so much is made in the news of mental health issues that perhaps the difference between depression and being a bit fed up has been lost a bit. I’d urge you if depressed to talk to a professional and seek real help, if your fed up then look into the world and see what is on offer, a class, a new job, a holiday, can you see your children/grandchildren more, do you have a partner to go out with? If not can you find a group of like minded people locally. Go to church a lot have very good social scenes, and you may find faith and some lovely people there. I’m not pushing religion or any ideas probably new to you , just saying look at the good things so RA is not terminal, the summer is coming, and as the days get warmer it’s easier to get out. To feel down is normal we can’t feel great everyday, but don’t let it become a normal thing and finally activity helps so even going for a walk will make you feel better. But it has to be kept up a few minutes walking, going to a gym, swimming a couple of times a week will help but be patient it’s not a quick fix. Best of luck.xx

[spartacus101]

I have only had RA for about 3 months now but I think it is easy to underestimate how much effort is needed just to get through the day and you don't get a holiday from it so you can go and recharge your batteries. I can remember when I didn't have to build up to washing my hair and by 1pm I want to cover myself in leaves and hibernate, not just have a rest. It is all hidden to other people as well. I really admire you for what you are doing.

[Pippy25]

Firstly I am glad that you have felt able to write this post and express how you are feeling. It's not always easy but you have done it and have shared with us how you feel. So that's a good step and an important one too. Sometimes things just get or become too overwhelming in life and the day to day stuff in general without any ongoing or life long health issues and it can feel hard to motivate or feel motivated in general. I have no particular pearls of wisdom but can empathise with you as I get times when things get on top of me and I don't know where to begin, today being one of them. What I try to do on days like this is to stop, not put any pressure or expectation (or a rod on my own back to 'do') I ask myself what is the worst thing that could happen if I for example; don't hoover the carpet today, iron my clothes, tidy up etc and if the answer is nothing then I don't do it or pressure myself to do it. I am learning (and I do still slip back into old habits) of trying to not see the whole picture and try to break things down into smaller manageable or enjoyable tasks or things that may motivate me. Again even thinking of something I used to enjoy or looking for a new thing I try to look for something that I physically and mentally can sustain for a shorter period of time without feeling overwhelmed by it or anxious about it. Be it practical tasks, a hobby or interest or socialising even. I am learning also that what may have motivated me in the past may not be the same as now. My body, my mind and life events are not the same as they were and it's hard to look for new things or new ways when sometimes you don't know exactly what it is you want or feel. Sometimes having some quiet time to think or write things down may help, just like you have done by writing this post here. Sending some supportive wishes to you, be kind and gentle to yourself and if you need help never be afraid to seek it. Take care.

[rmros]

I definitely get like this sometimes and it's not an easy thing to get out of, but there is support out there to help you through. Always reach out to someone, even if it's just here - there'll always be someone supportive and understanding to unburden yourself on. And if it ever gets like you can't cope, please speak to your GP.

I also think it's important to rule out a physical cause for why you feel this way. Hormone problems (vitamin D deficiency included in this as it's really a hormone and not a vitamin; as well as thyroid and others) can mess with our moods.

[KathleenMary]

Yes I feel like this as well,I have scleroderma and Raynaud's. Also broke a hip in January and in addition have had numerous tooth extractions and a seemingly continuous runny nose and dry eyes

It's hard to keep positive and a struggle to do the basics and my excercises,let alone get ready to go out

Here's hoping the better weather and my increasing mobility will make me feel cheerier

[bedfordlodgers1 in reply to KathleenMary]

I am so sorry you are going through a bad spell but all the wonderful messages people have written will surely inspire you to try different things. I think the weather left me very down but now the sun has come out then so must I. I have peripheral neuropathy caused by the RA so I have to launch myself out there and find good things to do, all the best. Stay Cool Hang Loose Rock On Hang Loose. Lots of love Dido

[KathleenMary in reply to bedfordlodgers1]

Thanks so much for your supportive comments

[GranAmie]

Absolutely, and the isolation , housebound shielding etc was the hardest, for me, not the pain... Growing stuff , citrus pips, avocado seeds and much more really helped me. My rheumy picked up on a few unusual bruises, etc... please don't ask and insisted I talk to a SW. The understanding + validation of my feelings have helped me immensely. I have made changes,am gaining more independence and avocado 'trees' need to be 'topped' at 5feet tall ... they can grow to about120 feet. TALK to close friends if you can or phone support lines, bottling up will maje things worse. I hope - no. PLAN, to swim again soon. Hang in there xx

[Angels54]

Hi ,I get what you are saying as I have felt like that , to say what’s the point , you just get up each day and pretend everything is ok . I have recently spoke to a mental health nurse and off loaded everything which was great as I don’t want to burden my family , still up and down days ,I understand how you feel , never give up 👍

[Deeb1764]

I think life is so tough at the moment and it is working out is it the RA getting you down or life itself with the RA adding its pennys worth. If more to do with RA have a look at the Wren Project I self referred and it was worth it for 6 free sessions and it got me back on track with who I am and what is causing me angst (mainly my RA but certain amount of life too).

[Totaleclipse25]

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who took the time to comment on my post, really appreciate the lovely messages 😊 a new week and already starting to feel a bit more positive,plus the sun is shining! Xxx

[whitedog in reply to Totaleclipse25]

Hi

Hope things improve for you.

I've had depression - on and off - since going through a difficult period in my life in the 90s. Been in some very dark places and experienced the medication, the therapy and everything else that goes with it.

Over the worst side of it now and I've learned a lot from it both about myself and other people. Cynicism and anger actually helped drive me onwards and upwards! 😀

I just accept it's part of me now and I go with it. I find it most helpful to talk to others who've been there and truly understand.

Take care x

[Louiseone]

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a tough time with your mental health. Remember, you're not alone in this. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can provide support and guidance tailored to your specific situation. Connecting with others who may share similar experiences, such as through support groups or online communities, can also provide a sense of understanding and solidarity.

[3LittleBirds2]

Hello

I have been feeling exactly the same, just low and not myself, very weepy also which is not me at all! I've put it down to having Covid recently and a nasty infection alongside it, coping with the two health issues knocked me six , took my mind of the RA for a bit though!

We all know the score , how to try and deal with it, a nice walk, activities etc but sometimes it's not as easy as that. I don't feel I need medication for it, just time to just be, and let myself come out of it naturally, a change of scenery recently has done me some good too.

Best wishes and I hope you feel brighter soon x

[PloddingOn1]

Hi, I’m sorry you’re feeling that way, it’s awful. I’m the same, sometimes it’s just work and bed, it’s like life is passing you by and it’s difficult to find interest in anything.

I agree with other comments that covid has had a bad effect on people, I haven’t been in a supermarket since it started, I do most of my shopping on line as I get a little anxious, which has never happened to me before.

I hope you start to feel more like yourself soon.

Best wishes