Mental health and arthritis

Building a good frame of mind

Self-confidence

Living with a long-term condition can knock your self-confidence in many ways. You may not able to socialise as much as you used to, or need help with certain tasks, and you may not be comfortable asking for help. You may also have experienced changes to your appearance, which can affect how you see yourself and what you feel capable of doing. 

This can be especially difficult to deal with if you don’t have a support network. Connecting with others is a crucial part of looking after your emotional wellbeing. It can make you feel happier and more positive about yourself and the world around you.

If you would like to talk to someone about your arthritis, you can call our free Helpline on 0800 5200 520, Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm. Our friendly team can talk to you about any aspect of the condition, and your call is confidential.

The methods you use to build your self-confidence are unique. What works for someone else, might not help you. If you would like to try building your self-confidence up slowly, why not try one or more of the following? 

• Learning how to manage your arthritis.
• Setting small goals. These should be manageable and enjoyable. Why not try a new recipe, learn a few words of a foreign language, or say hello to a new person today?
• Being assertive – question the health professionals treating you, about medication and other treatment options you are offered (or not offered). Don’t be scared to question any aspect of your care and treatment.
• Check how you are talking to yourself about yourself throughout the day. Would you speak to a friend like that? We can be very hard on ourselves sometimes.

Body image

The change in body image that may come with arthritis can knock self-confidence at first. Many people find they are no longer able to wear certain shoes, but there are many ways to keep your feet happy and stylish. Here are a few tips from our online community:

@Starburst: Go to a proper shoe shop where they fit and measure. Walk around in them in the shop lots. If you’re not sure, sit down or go elsewhere and come back.

@ouchpotato: I bling my footwear! I wear Vans or Converse, flat and well-made but still ‘in’, and style them up – whether that is with clashing coloured laces, glitter, sequins, or whatever I can lay my hands on.

@Starburst: Don’t buy uncomfortable shoes because they look nice. Life is too short. There’s no point in your shoes looking nice sitting at the bottom of your wardrobe.

Accepting help when you need it 

Asking other people for help isn't always easy, especially if you take pride in being independent. You might be worried about being a burden, or about wasting someone’s time.

When to ask for help and where to go

If you're struggling with the physical and psychological impact of arthritis, it’s time to take action. It’s even better to do this early on, before small problems grow bigger. You can talk to your doctor, nurse or therapist, or you can contact support groups groups. 

Warning signs

Depression is different from feeling low for a while: it goes on for weeks, and interferes with your daily life. You can lose your motivation and sense of enjoyment. It can leave you feeling hopeless, helpless, tearful or irritable. Having no energy and not sleeping well are other signs.

Anxiety can happen on its own or alongside other conditions like depression. It’s a feeling of being worried or frightened all the time, and can get in the way of everyday life.

What to do in a crisis

If the feelings are so bad that you feel on the verge of harming yourself, or someone else, this is an emergency that needs medical help. Talk to your doctor immediately, call 999 or go to your local hospital’s A&E department. They will understand and are trained to help.

Stay connected

Many people with arthritis feel isolated. This can be due to stopping paid employment, not carrying on with the activities you enjoy, and generally being less active. 

Research tells us that feeling connected to other people is essential for our emotional health and wellbeing, so it’s a priority. Here are some ideas:

• Look for new ways to stay in touch with family and friends. Can you talk on the phone, or online?
• Plan ahead and manage your arthritis, so you can carry on doing the things that matter to you. An occupational therapist can suggest adjustments, so ask your GP or social worker for a referral.
• Consider volunteering. Everyone has something to offer, and helping others is rewarding.