People living with Rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from engaging in positive psychology (PP) (RA). Concepts like thankfulness, optimism, and purpose are highlighted to realize one's potential and live one's best life.
Studies have related improved emotional health to these and other PP tenets among those living with RA and other chronic diseases. It might help alleviate or at least lessen your pain and weariness. If you need assistance incorporating PP into your life, you can speak with a mental health professional or consult with other resources.
Strength-Based Approaches In Psychology (PP)
PP is a relatively recent development in mental health, having emerged in the 2000s. Optimism, hope, and a sense of meaning are all evaluated as indicators of psychological health. It establishes a connection between a person's strengths and their likelihood of flourishing.
These are some of how PP associates well-being:
- accepting personal qualities
- expressing gratitude
- discovering your life's calling
- establishing and fulfilling objectives
- encouraging in-depth friendships
- having kindness
RA And PP
For a variety of reasons, PP may help those with RA. PP may alleviate the emotional and physical distress associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Consistency with your RA management strategy may also contribute to your improved health. PP has been shown to help those with chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in several research investigations.
PP, RA, And Mental Health
Recent studies from 2017 show that RA patients are more likely to suffer from emotional distress. Your view on life might change due to depression. As well as other signs, you could notice:
- be miserable or sad
- stop caring about things
- Put on or take off weight
- have less or more sleep than is healthy
- have low vitality levels
Stress can be a symptom of anxiety. Tension, anxiety, and irritability are possible side effects. These mental health issues may exacerbate or even trigger certain RA symptoms. Stress and mood were revealed to be separate variables in the recurrence of RA symptoms in the same 2017 study.
Disturbed Physiological Function And PP
According to studies conducted in 2018, PP treatments can improve the quality of life for persons with health issues and decrease their levels of discomfort. Research from 2016 found that patients with chronic health disorders who maintained a positive outlook and a sense of hope were more likely to take steps that benefited their health.
PP can help cultivate these attitudes. Hence, health-promoting actions can aid in the control of chronic diseases like RA. Among the many things that go into RA management are the following:
- taking medications as prescribed
- Going to the doctor often
- committing to a healthy way of life
Persistent Pain and its Relation to PP
In 2020, researchers analyzed the relationships between persistent discomfort, confidence in one's ability to deal with it, and happiness-boosting therapies. The study found that PP and CBT helped participants with chronic pain significantly improve their coping abilities.
Mental health experts think that PP, in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and medicine, may allow those with chronic pain to flourish. Interventions based on PP can improve a person's:
- strengths
- interacting with others
- a larger sense of meaning
Drowsiness and PP
Results from research published in 2017 suggested that social support and PP behaviors targeted towards hope, optimism, and resilience may help reduce tiredness in patients with RA. Symptoms like weariness may be alleviated thanks to these characteristics.
Status Evaluation For Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to research conducted in 2015, a subjective vitality scale is useful for gauging a person's general health and well-being, especially regarding RA. Doctors and other medical professionals can use this measure to assess the psychological well-being of patients with RA.
Doctors may be more likely to bring up PP practices with their patients if they use this scale. A mental health expert can help evaluate symptoms, make a diagnosis, and prescribe treatment for those struggling with anxiety or depression.
Conclusion
The practice of PP places a strong emphasis on ideas such as gratitude, optimism, and purpose. If you have RA, it could be able to help you feel better emotionally and enjoy your life to the fullest. It could be simpler to deal with issues such as pain and weariness. You may increase your PP abilities by working with a therapist, reading books or articles written by credible sources, or researching relevant topics on the internet.
