There are steps you can take to improve your emotional wellbeing, including:
- Working with your doctor to get your disease under control and minimize medication side effects is an important first step.
- Doing what you can to keep negative emotions at bay through physical and emotional self-care.
- Some self-care options include mind-body practices such as meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, music and art therapy, a healthy diet, massage, and activity pacing.
- Getting involved in social activities to prevent feelings of isolation.
- Seeking out professional support such as arthritis-specific support groups or one on one support can give you an outlet to talk about your emotions and provide you with coping mechanisms.
If you are struggling to deal with negative emotions associated with your rheumatic condition you may be referred to Rheumatology Psychology. {This will only ever be done if you are interested and give your consent).
Information on our specialist Rheumatology Psychology team is included in the Rheumatology Psychology Leaflet
Additonal support can be found at - Moodcafe
