Families and arthritis.
Last updated Monday, January 03, 2005
|
Resources
There are many resources available to families of people with
arthritis. Get to know the family service agencies in your community.
Look in the yellow pages under Family, Community Council, or under your
religious group.Social workers or counselors
If family conflicts can't be resolved, you might want to seek
professional guidance from a counselor or social worker. Many families
find it helpful to discuss their situation with a professional before
problems get worse.
Anger, despair, and feeling helpless are not unusual for a member of
the family or the person with arthritis. No one should feel under
constant pressure to be cheerful. Periods of depression are to be
expected. However, if these feelings last for a long time and cause
major changes in mood or behavior, professional help may be needed.
Watch for the following warning signs in yourself, the person with
arthritis, or other family members:
- Excessive use of alcohol or other drugs.
- Personality
changes, such as uncontrolled temper, constant anxiety or withdrawing
from social activities and life for a period of months.
- Ongoing
feelings of sadness, frequent crying spells, inability to sleep,
sleeping most of the time, poor appetite, neglect of appearance or
hygiene.
- Physical or verbal abuse.
- Thoughts or any mention of suicide.
Family service agencies and community mental health centers offer a
variety of counseling services. Most of them charge fees that are based
on the family's ability to pay. They are staffed by professionals who
are dedicated to helping families deal with problems.
A medical social worker at your local hospital or clinic may be able
to spend time with you. You may wish to contact your minister, priest,
or rabbi for support and counseling. Often, care groups at churches and
synagogues make home visits and assist people with special problems.
Many people have fears about talking with a professional. Don't feel
ashamed or be afraid that you will be judged or criticized. Instead,
know that you are courageous to do so. Expect to see a sensitive,
caring person who will help you by discussing and dealing with your
situation. You are smart to seek this kind of help. It shows that you
care about your family. It also can provide hope and restore your
confidence when you need it most.
Other members of the health care team
For answers to questions and concerns about your relative's treatment program, contact members of the health care team.
In addition to the doctor and a social worker or counselor, team
members may include nurses, physical or occupational therapists, and
your pharmacist.Credits
Some of this material may also be available in an Arthritis Foundation
brochure. Contact the Washington/Alaska Chapter Helpline: (800)
542-0295. If dialing from outside of WA and AK, contact the National
Helpline: (800) 283-7800.
Adapted from the pamphlet originally prepared for the Arthritis
Foundation by Anne Weisenborn, MSW, and Alison J. Partridge, LICSW.
This material is protected by copyright.
Disclaimer
This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
How useful was this page or article?
|