It’s Not Just the Pain… The Mental Fights Are Even Harder

VeloraX
VeloraX Member Posts: 1
in Living with arthritis

Hello guys,

New member here, but just another one sharing pain.
So here is my story, I was diagnosed with RA at an early age, and it’s been a daily struggle ever since. Most days I start out trying to keep up, but by night I feel completely drained and end up being hard on myself for not meeting my own expectations.

I know it might sound a bit heavy, but this has been my reality so far. I’ve heard all sorts of advice — pray more, change diet, exercise — and while I know those can help, it’s really tough to balance the constant mental battles along with the physical pain.

I’d really love to hear your stories and be a part of this community.

Thanks for reading.

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Comments

  • chrisb
    chrisb Moderator Posts: 813

    Hi @VeloraX,

    Welcome to the versus arthritis forum.

    I hope you find joining the forum really useful in helping you manage your own situation.

    No doubt you'll have already visited our website but here's a link to a relevant section that may be helpful:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

    Do join in with any existing chats or indeed start you own if you wish.

    Best wishes

    ChrisB (Moderator)

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Moira
    Moira Member Posts: 129

    I know what you mean, although I have different arthritic problems. It is so difficult when you want to do things but can't.As to the pain!! And I don't want to have a dependence on heavy pain-killers either.

    My Rhumatologist prescribed a mild anti-depressent to use at night to help me with a decent night's sleep. I don't know if something like that would help.

    I also have started a CBT diarry. Each day I write how I feel (red writing for the ugh times and blue when I feel a bit better.) I then set myself 2 or 3 very basic goals for the next day e.g. Go to church/do your welsh study/do 10 mins in the garden/dust the living room/sort out the downstairs bookshelves….. just very small goals.

    I then tick them off the next day. It does make you feel as if you have achieved something. It I haven't I then have a "rest day."

    I have also found Tai Chi helpful - I sit down for that. Also we have a brilliant Elderly Keep Fit and the tutor will give you a alternative exercisesif you can't do one of the simple ones. We have a really good laugh, as most of us have disabilies of one sort or another.

    I am also learning another language which takes my mind off things (Duo LIngo is good)

    Don't know if that helps. Good luck.

    Moira

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