Who Can Help?
Your Health-Care Team
Talk to your health-care team about ways to manage pain. This group of professionals is coordinated by your doctor and may include:
- a nurse,
- an occupational or physical therapist,
- an exercise physiologist,
- a social worker,
- a counselor,
- a psychologist,
- a pharmacist.
Your health-care professionals are trained to help you learn pain management techniques and they may be able to recommend helpful services in your area. Also, don't be afraid to suggest a pain management idea of your own.
Pain Clinics
These clinics are staffed by several different health professionals, including physicians, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, exercise physiologists and nurses. They may be located in a hospital or may operate independently. Be sure the one you choose specializes in or has experience with your condition.
Professional Counselors
Any major disturbance in lifestyle - such as illness, chronic pain, family problems or increased dependence on others - may lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, anger or hopelessness. Many people become depressed when they have severe pain. Some people feel so bad that they cannot sleep or eat. In these cases, therapy, counseling or medication may help.
Some people are afraid to admit that they need help. The believe that other people may think less of them if they talk to a psychiatrist or counselor about their problems. The reality is some of these health professionals are specially trained to work with the emotional side of chronic health problems like arthritis and related conditions. They also can teach you ways to reduce pain by managing pain.
It's smart to get help when you need it. If you have the symptoms of depression - poor sleep, changes in appetite, crying, sad thoughts - get help from a health-care professional.
Support Groups
Sharing your feelings and experiences with a group can make living with the various types of arthritis easier. A support group helps you realize you're not alone and it can give you new ideas for coping with problems. It also can help you feel good about yourself because you'll be helping others in the group.
