Hello

Ollieowl

Hi my name is Tracy, I've suffered with arthritis for over twenty years and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis about ten years now.

All daily tasks I've learnt to adapt my social life suffered as the pain is too much to enjoy myself. Daily medication only takes the edge off, my phisiotheropst gave me gentle excercises but sometimes the pain is too much to concentrate on them, it has had a big impact on my mental health too

Sharon_K

Hi @Ollieowl

welcome to the community, it's lovely to meet you. I can see that you are experiencing a big impact on your mental health from having osteoarthritis for over twenty years. Living with arthritis can indeed be extremely difficult and as you say it's not just the physical impact on our lives. We have some great information on things you can do to help your mental health here

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

Talking about it here with people who understand what you are going through is a good place to start. We also have a great virtual Cafe if you just want a friendly chat

https://community.versusarthritis.org/categories/val-s-cafe

Please join in and I am sure our wonderful members will also share their experience with you

Best Wishes

Sharon