Is it common to be short tempered and have very little patience with RA?
Hi ive recently discovered i'm not very patient any more and very short tempered to those around me, and I hate myself for it because those around me love me and usually just want to help, how can I be a better person? I know I should be more thankful for what I have, instead of being withdrawn and prissy because im usually in pain and pissed at myself because I use to be more efficient and stronger, man im sorry to vent to you all, but I find myself getting depressed and I don't want to be that person because those that love and care about me deserve much more, does anyone else with r/a go through this emotional rollercoaster?
I hear you. It is hard to accept diminishing activity and productivity.
One of the ways I know I'm flaring is increased irritability, then I notice the pain and fatigue are also increasing. For me, it helps to be honest with myself about the current status of my RD. It helps when you have made it through a few flares and found the other side. I'm trying to accept, rather than get angry or guilty about what I'm not accomplishing; who I'm not helping; and who is giving me needed help. Only sometimes am I successful. But that experience builds and helps with the next flare. And to have one or two people in my inner, inner circle to be honest with about how I'm feeling physically and emotionally. Next, accepting what I can't do that day (week) and what they can do to help me.Jodspace, hey, thanks for that, I get what you're saying, that I should take smaller steps, be content in doing less cause that's were im at now in life, but if I some how get a little extra done, that's a bonus, amen, let me take that in. Thanks again. .
Hi tryingharder. Know that you are not alone in struggling with mood issues with RA and that it is not simply in your head. In fact, in this article on the subject from one of our contributors he wrote "These mental symptoms include mood swings, lack of interest in social interaction, depression, and what I like to call 'brain fog' or more scientifically, cognitive dysfunction:" https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/just-head-impact-ra-mental-functioning/. Sounds a lot like what you are describing. In addition, some medications can impact mental functioning and mood. In this article one of our contributors writes about struggling with mood issues and weighing causes: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/is-it-me-or-my-ra/. The good news is that there are some thoughts on actions to take. Simply recognizing the issue and wanting to address it is a great first step. A contributor offers some of her ideas here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/press-pause/. This article looks at complimentary and alternative treatments: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/mental-health/coping-complementary-alternative-therapies/. In addition, here a contributor writes on the importance of not neglecting mental health: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/dont-neglect-mental-health/. Hope this information is helpful and please know that this community is here for you. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
