Arthritis has a physical side, the one that causes pain, stiffness and other symptoms that can limit your activities. But there's another, emotional side to the disease that's also important to address.
The emotional effects of arthritis often include feelings such as sadness, anxiety, depression, helplessness and low self-esteem.
If you're feeling these things, you should know that in no way do they signal any sort of character flaw.
When people encounter major life changes, like developing arthritis or another chronic disease, feelings of loss, depression, anger or anxiety can all be natural responses.
You should also know that managing these emotions can make your life better. When your feelings of distress go down, some arthritis symptoms can decrease as well.
Take steps to cope
Two steps often recommended to help manage the physical aspects of arthritis can also improve emotional well-being. They are:
Exercise. Physical activities, such as regular, brisk walking, can improve pain, fatigue and joint symptoms. Exercise also can improve your mood and have psychological benefits as well. Your doctor can help you choose activities that are safe for you.
Education. Research shows that arthritis education programs can help people cope physically, emotionally and mentally.
Learn more about arthritis intervention programs at cdc.gov/arthritis/programs.
Consider these additional coping tips:
- Avoid catastrophic thinking. Be realistic but optimistic in the way that you talk to yourself.
- Have fun. Even a "5-minute vacation," such as getting a laugh out of a funny video, can help.
- Make contact. Set up a social network of friends or family to call when you need a good listener. You might also consider joining a support group to share feelings and learn from others with similar experiences.
- Control stress. A chronic illness can add stress to your life, and stress can contribute to pain and depression, reports the Arthritis Foundation.
- Watch for signs of depression. When feelings such as sadness linger and interfere with daily living, it might be major depression, a potentially debilitating condition that can sap your energy and make getting better more difficult.
It can help to talk to someone about what you're feeling and make a plan for feeling better at the first sign of depressive symptoms.
Reviewed 6/8/2026