How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis or Ankylosing Spondylitis Impact Mental Health | Mental Health Month
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The content segments discuss the impact of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis on mental health and overall well-being. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that causes chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling, while ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine, leading to stiffness and difficulties in movement and posture. Both conditions can contribute to fatigue, activate the body's threat stress response, and affect neurotransmitter balance in the brain, leading to mood issues like depression and anxiety.
Individuals with these conditions often experience pain, stiffness, sleep disruption, and physical deformities, which can significantly impact their daily lives and mental well-being. The mental health impact includes grief, anger, depression, and anxiety. It is important to address these emotional responses, provide support, and help individuals navigate their conditions.
Treatment strategies focus on reducing inflammation, regulating the body's threat response system, and managing pain. Techniques such as breathwork, yoga, and anti-inflammatory nutrition can be beneficial. Improving sleep quality, reducing pain, promoting movement, and addressing stress are crucial aspects of treatment. Nonpharmacological interventions like guided imagery, acupuncture, and dry needling can also aid in pain management.
Improving quality of life involves working through the grief resolution process, stress management, developing resilience, feeling safe, and improving health literacy. Educating significant others about the condition and providing support on both good and bad days is important. Addressing self-esteem and recognizing one's self-worth beyond physical abilities is crucial. While there is no cure for these conditions, treatment aims to reduce inflammation triggers, manage pain, and improve overall well-being.
The content segments discuss the impact of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis on mental