It’s easy to see how the pain of arthritis can make you feel depressed. There are days when my pain level is so high, I don’t feel like doing anything.
I’ve taken my prescribed medication, did all the right stretching exercises, and it would just be nice if I could do the things I enjoy without being wracked with pain.
This is kind of a Catch-22 situation. My joints feel better when I am up and moving, but when I am depressed, I just want to stay in the house and binge-watch television or do some surfing on the internet.
Here are some healthier ways to deal with depression:
Get Up and Get Moving
If you need an incentive to start moving, how about walking the family dog? I once had a dog and he loved to go for walks. He knew where I kept the leash and he would jump up and down and be ready to hit the pavement. Exercise just makes you feel better and improves your mood. You don’t have to walk to the next town. A short session of just 15-20 minutes will perk up your mood.
Take Small Steps
It’s an exciting time when you set some goals and it is perfectly fine to have big goals like starting your own business, purchasing a house, or taking a summer off to backpack through Europe. One big goal for me is to discover ways I can keep my arthritis pain to a minimum, and get out and try new things that stretch my comfort zone.
When you’re depressed you just feel like a failure and why should you set goals and not be able to complete them?
The trick is to break goals down into small steps. If I have a goal of less arthritis pain I need to do some research. Do I need to follow an arthritis diet to see which foods I need to avoid? What exercises are best to keep my energy up and my pain level down? Will going to physical therapy give me more pain relief?
Eat Healthier Foods
Most people don’t eat kale when they are depressed when a large donut will do the trick. The donut will give you a sugar rush and if you eat more than one, you may gain weight. That will be another thing to be depressed about.
Foods containing folic acid (avocado and spinach) and omega-3 fatty acids (tuna or salmon) are good anti-depressants and regular consumption of these can help to a great extent in fighting depression.
Journal
Journaling is a good habit to get into and it has really been a lifesaver for me. This is a place you can pour out your frustrations and celebrate your victories. This is for your eyes only so let it all hang out and write exactly how you feel.
I enjoy journaling more if I am not negative about everything. Yes, my pain level may be through the roof, but I am thankful that I live in a nice house, have good friends, and enjoy eating out with my husband.
Write down why you are depressed and why you think you are a failure. Some painful feelings may come up but keep going and you’ll be surprised at what you learn.
Help Someone Else
There are so many people and organizations that need help, so choose one that speaks to your heart and start making a difference.
I donate money to a school for homeless children. These kids live with at least one parent in a car, or on the street, and learning at the Mustard Seed School is something they can look forward to. If you’re budget-crunched, volunteer your time. The best part of helping others is that you receive the bigger benefit.
Summary
Of course, it would be perfect if arthritis pain was a thing of the past, but that is not reality. You still have a full life to lead, so get out there and enjoy it and help someone else along the way.
