Arthritis & mental health

In osteoarthritis, the tissues in a joint break down over time. It often affects the hands, knees, hips, neck and lower back. It is more common with age, and more common in women, especially after 50.

Pain and stiffness can lead to tiredness, sleep problems and depression.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness, often on both sides of the body, along with tiredness. It can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart, lungs and eyes.

Women are two to three times more likely than men to have it.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis starts before age 16. It is the most common long-term arthritis in children. Some children go into remission, and some need care into adulthood.

Gout and lupus are also counted as types of arthritis in U.S. health surveys. Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can affect many parts of the body.

Worries about getting worse, work, money or independence are very understandable with arthritis. Anxiety symptoms affect more than 1 in 5 adults with arthritis.

Things that can help

• Learning about your condition from trusted sources
• Making a plan for flares
• Sharing worries with someone you trust
• Talking with a therapist

Pain and stiffness can lead to tiredness, poor sleep and depression. Doing less can weaken muscles, which can make pain worse and mood lower.

In the CDC study, fewer than half of adults with arthritis and anxiety or depression symptoms had seen a mental health professional in the past year. Screening and referral are recommended.

Younger people with arthritis may hear that they are too young to be in pain. These comments can feel dismissive and lonely.

You could say

• “Arthritis can start at any age. Even children get it.”
• “It’s a medical condition, not a sign of getting old.”

In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act protects people with disabilities at work and in public life and can require reasonable changes.

Changes some people ask for

• Adjustable chairs or desks
• Flexible start times on stiff mornings
• Tools that are easier to grip
• Working from home on flare days

Getting care early matters, because delayed treatment can lead to joint damage. Regular eye checks are also important for some children with juvenile arthritis.

Tiredness is common with rheumatoid arthritis and can come with osteoarthritis too.

With rheumatoid arthritis, it helps to rest more during flares and move more when symptoms are calm. Short rest breaks usually help more than long periods in bed.

Not knowing how you will feel tomorrow can make planning hard and feed worry. Having a flare plan can give back some sense of control.

Adaptive tools, assistive devices and pacing activities can reduce strain on your joints. Physical and occupational therapists can help you find what works.

Examples

• Easy-grip kitchen tools and jar openers
• Grab bars and raised seats
• Long-handled reachers
• Splints for short periods, if your provider suggests them

It is normal to feel sad or angry about things you can no longer do the same way. Making room for those feelings is part of adjusting.

Ideas

• Gardening in raised beds
• Joining a club where sitting is easy
• Swapping running for swimming
• Teaching a skill you can no longer do as much

Asking for help can feel hard, especially if you are used to being the one who helps. Sharing about arthritis with family and friends can help you feel less alone.

Low-impact activity like water exercise is often recommended. Exercise helps keep muscles strong, joints moving and can improve sleep and mood.

Ideas

• Gentle cycling
• Tai chi
• Walking
• Water exercise

The CDC recognizes physical activity programs for arthritis, such as Walk With Ease (also in Spanish as Camine Con Gusto), Tai Chi for Arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program.

You do not need to meet full exercise guidelines to benefit. Check with your health care team before starting something new.

Osteoarthritis pain can be worse at night in later stages, and it can cause sleep problems. Exercise can help improve sleep.

Morning stiffness is common in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ideas

• A warm shower first thing
• Gentle stretches before getting up
• Leaving extra time so you do not feel rushed

Some examples

• Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (Tomando Control de su Salud in Spanish)
• Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
• Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS)
• Toolkit for Active Living with Chronic Pain

The CDC directs people to the Arthritis Foundation Helpline at 1-800-283-7800 to find programs near them. The team can answer questions but does not give personal medical advice.

Joining a support group or talking with family and friends about arthritis can help if you feel isolated, anxious or depressed.

Helpful things to say

• “Is today a good or hard day?”
• “Would it help if I took care of that?”
• “Take your time. There’s no rush.”

Things to avoid

• “My grandma has that.”
• “You’re too young for arthritis.”
• “You just need to lose weight.”

• Carry heavy shopping
• Drive to appointments
• Open stiff jars and packages
• Join them in a gentle activity

Anxiety and depression are about twice as common in people with arthritis. A gentle check-in can open the door to support.