I’m participating in RABlog week this year and I’m very excited about it. For 5 days there are select topics for each day with a couple of wild card topics. One of which I’m going to definitely use.
Today is about mental health and RA. My RA symptoms started 20 years ago at a time when my mental health was at it lowest. Life had become oppressive to me – my boss had a nervous breakdown and four months later my then husband had an industrial accident. I spent a year racing around caring for my boss’s clients while taking care of my husband, his injury and the workers compensation court process. This took a toll on me and one day I realized that I was ready to drive my car into a tree. I didn’t recognize what I was going through, but fortunately my boss did, having been there.
I was fortunate to connect with a therapist immediately. She helped me understand depression and stress and the connection. I also began taking an anti depressant. Within a year I started having the first symptoms of RA.
That was 20 years ago. 3 anti depressant medications, 4 biologics since then and I’m in a good place. But I recognize that stress and chronic pain have a huge impact on your mental health. Perhaps I’m weak for saying that I will stay on an anti depressant until death, but I feel that way.
Earlier this year I went through 2 total knee replacements, 11 weeks apart. Going through it was long, although I’m happy that it’s behind me. I did have a few days when I felt the old demon of depression knocking. Time, and some coping skills, helped me move on from that point. But it was just enough to remind me how delicate the balance is between chronic illness and mental health.
phat50chick with ra 
Leigh: Makes me feel better knowing that no matter how badly you feel, there is a way out! I’m always apprehensive to ask for help, whether from family or friends, and professionals. Going to get professional help was just another job to do, and sharing my need for help from family or friends made me feel weak. Well written! Thank you! Mary Ann
Mary Ann – I am not always so good about asking for help. I remember being single and my plow guy didn’t show up and we had gotten like 4 feet of snow over the weekend. I called my friend down the street who runs a business on Monday morning and I was doing the best I could to stop myself from bawling. He was happy to send his plow driver up to help me out and he told me that I had to learn to ask for help. That went a long way towards helping me understand that asking for help doesn’t make you weak. Not only that, but people want to help!!!
Thanks for the comment.
You are not weak for staying on anti-depressants, you are sensible! If your brain doesn’t produce the right chemicals to keep you in an I depressed state, why not swallow those chemicals and sort it out, and live a happier, more positive life?
Oh, how nasty stress is on our body. Thanks for sharing. The very best to you recovering from your surgeries. XXOO Cathy
Cathy – Thanks so much for your comment. I’m feeling pretty good these days – just a little RA in my right hand and wrist. Otherwise I have no complaints.