Why Social Implications of Rheumatoid Arthritis Should Be Addressed
When patients are first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the main things they think about are the physical implications of the condition. It is true that these physical effects can be particularly troublesome and take up most of the patient's attention. However, rheumatoid arthritis effects every aspect of a person's life, and can make it very hard for patients to find their place in society.
These struggles are just as problematic and debilitating as the physical effects of RA, and medical professionals need to be aware of these difficulties that their patients will go through. However, with proper guidance and a good mind set, it is very possible for RA patients to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
In this article, we will look at a couple of studies showing the effects that RA has other than physical symptoms, and end by discussing steps RA patients can take to improve their mental health, social engagements, and overall quality of life.
Implications of RA
Many studies have been done that look at the effects of RA outside of its physical manifestations. Researchers in Poland surveyed RA patients and found that only about 38 percent were satisfied with their lives overall. Another study conducted by Polish and German researchers found that around 95 percent of Polish RA patients and 68 percent of German RA patients felt excluded from social circles. Researchers stated that younger patients specifically said that the condition had a negative effect on their social lives. The studies showed that this could partly be attributed to patients who had previously participated heavily in outdoor sports activities.
Another study that was done reported that patients suffering from RA were more limited in their educational pursuits, and were less likely to be recommended for promotions in their professional careers.
One of the most common effects of RA that isn't physical is the prevalence of depression among its patients. Due to the physical stress RA puts on the body, combined with the reduced social lives and opportunities that RA causes, many patients can fall into a deep depression. Depression is a mental issue that pervades all aspects of someone's life. People suffering from depression typically have lower energy levels, sleep deprivation, less motivation for social and professional activities, and an overall sour mood that makes everything seem hopeless. This creates a vicious cycle where RA patients feel disadvantaged and excluded from social and work opportunities, while also feeling less motivation to pursue them due to depression.
This may seem like a lot to deal with, especially considering the physical effects that come with RA. However, it is possible to overcome these challenges and lead a happy and healthy life while dealing with RA.
Overcoming social isolation
Many RA patients become overwhelmed with feelings of isolation and loneliness. It can be very tempting for RA patients to look at what they used to be able to do and become sad that they can no longer do those things. Don't fall into this trap. You may not be able to run 7 miles every week anymore, but dwelling on that fact will do nothing for you. Instead of focusing on what used to be, try and come up with new activities you can do that will get you out there without overexerting yourself. There are a wide variety of social opportunities available that don't involve intense physical activity. Look for affordable cooking, painting, or language classes near you. These classes are great places to meet people.
You also shouldn't assume that your old friends won't be there for you just because you got diagnosed with RA. Even if you used to mostly hang out with your friends doing things like hiking, running, or playing sports, that doesn't mean that's the only time you can see them. Most people will be sympathetic with your condition, and they'll likely be just as likely to hang out with you at a bar or restaurant instead of the trail or field.
Another thing that many RA patients don't realize is that there are countless groups out there designed specifically for people with RA to come together and have some fun. These groups put on events and hold gatherings for RA patients of all ages to meet each other and socialize. This is not only a great social opportunity, but it is also a great place where you can talk to people going through some of the same struggles that you are going through. Talking with other patients can give you a safe place to vent, and it can also introduce you to other's solutions and tricks for common RA problems.
Getting a good education with RA
There are certainly a lot of challenges that students with RA can face. Studying often involves a lot of writing and typing, which can be particularly taxing on the wrist and finger joints in RA patients. It can also be more difficult for RA students to walk from class to class during the day, making it more tempting to skip going to class.
The good news is most colleges, universities, and even primary and secondary schools offer a wide variety of accommodations for students with RA. The accommodations you get will largely depend on the severity of your condition and the services offered by your school. In some cases, these accommodations can include a relaxed attendance policy, negotiation of assignment due dates based on flare ups, short breaks during the class to walk around and relieve discomfort, and testing accommodations like permission to take supervised breaks during the test.
It is also a good idea to meet with teachers and professors to give them a heads up about your condition and how it may interfere with your learning. Most teachers will accommodate you and be more likely to let you quietly leave the room or stand when you need to.
Succeeding professionally with RA
Work can be particularly stressful for people suffering from RA. The last thing you need during crunch time is for your RA to flare up, but unfortunately it will happen sometimes. This is why the most important part of succeeding professionally with RA is to have a good relationship with your managers and supervisors. There may be times where you have to delay a project slightly due to pain and flare ups, and a good relationship with your superiors will make that easier to ask for.
Another crucial aspect of working with RA is setting up your office furniture so that your body is relaxed and comfortable and less prone to discomfort and pain. A common tip is to get an office chair that will properly support your lower back and have arm rests that you can use comfortably. It also helps if you have a moving/swivel chair as this means you don't have to constantly get up and sit down when moving around the office. Make sure you keep your feet flat on the floor (or use a footrest if the chair is too high up for that to happen).
There are also a wide variety of office tools that are designed to put less stress on the joints. Mice, mousepads, and keyboards all come in certain varieties that are designed primarily for those with RA. If typing is too much of a pain, there are tools out there like rubber pencil-like sticks that you can use to type instead of your fingers. The key is to do some research and set up your office so that you will be as comfortable during the day as possible.
Final thoughts
While it might not be easy, living with RA is an achievable goal. With some adjustments and adaptation, you can succeed socially, professionally, and academically while dealing with RA. For more information on RA symptoms, studies, and treatments, be sure to visit the rest of our website.
References
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/academic-accommodations/
https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/ra-work-accommodations#2
