Families and arthritis.
Last updated Monday, January 03, 2005
Coping with arthritisCoping with arthritis Many people with arthritis in the family have found that keeping a few principles in mind helps them cope with daily life.Can laughter and humor help a person with arthritis or their friends and family? Laughter and a sense of humor can ease even the most trying situation.
With a disorder such as arthritis, a sense of humor can help relieve
the burden of living with pain and handling extra problems.Can a positive attitude help a person with arthritis or their friends and family? If your family is determined "not to let arthritis get us down,"
then it won't. If your family believes that there is no problem too
tough to handle, your family will manage the most difficult of times.
With this kind of positive attitude, the family can focus on ability
instead of disability; what does work instead of what doesn't work;
what a person is instead of what a person does; and living instead of
worrying about living. Can faith, religion, or inspiration help people with arthritis or their friends and family? Many people with arthritis in the family have said that their religious
faith helps them to adjust. Religious faith also seems to give peace of
mind.How can people with arthritis and their friends or family get some perspective on the condition? There is more to life than just arthritis!
Some people get so overwhelmed by their arthritis that they lose
sight of other things in life. Don't let this happen to your relative.
Encourage him or her to be active and seek new hobbies and friendships.
You can help by sharing your interests and including him or her in
activities, even if slight changes must be made.
Encourage your entire family to practice a "wellness lifestyle." This involves eating a well-balanced diet; getting regular exercise
(in addition to any prescribed exercise program); controlling one's
weight; enjoying an active social life; practicing relaxation; and
combating stress and depression. How can people with arthritis and their friends or family learn to offer and accept help? Get to know other families who are living with arthritis. Many
family members have found satisfaction in sharing with others their own
experiences with arthritis. Your experience and knowledge of the
disease is valuable, especially to those who are having a hard time
adjusting. Sharing what helps you understand and cope may be inspiring
to them. Sharing works both ways--it also helps you to feel good about
yourself.
In order to help make the difference in each other's lives, you need
to be patient and supportive of each other. If you feel frustrated with
your loved one, try saying: "I feel so angry sometimes when I know
you're hurting. I wish I could do something about it." This reminds the
person that you care and that you hurt, as well.
Family members can learn to bolster each other in small, thoughtful
ways. Find ways of making the person with arthritis feel important and
needed. Show that you value his or her company. Be generous with
compliments. Keep in mind how helpful kind words are on days when you
feel low.
For example, you can give a back rub, run bath water, make a meal,
or create a new adaptive device. You can also share a new hobby or
offer a car ride in the country. Your smile alone can be a big boost to
another's spirit.
Over time, you will learn the difference between helping when it is
needed and helping too much. Always pampering your loved one can, in
the long run, detract from his or her self-worth. He or she needs to
remain as independent as possible. Try to encourage your relative to
achieve new goals and ideas.
Don't forget to pay attention to your own needs for rest and
relaxation. Seek support from friends, also. To remain a caring and
giving person, you need to receive as well as give.
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