Depression and anxiety are common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Learn why, and get tips for overcoming the emotional side effects.

David McKee of Indianapolis has had rheumatoid arthritis for most of his life. He teaches self-help classes for people with the disease and has met many individuals who are also dealing with depression.

"Depression is a huge part of arthritis. Depression is caused by the disease and the pain, but also by the inability to do the things you once were able to. You think, 'I've always done these hobbies, and now I can't!'" he says.

This sense of loss can feel like grief, explains Christopher Edwards, PhD, director of the Chronic Pain Management Program at Duke University in Durham, N.C., who works with many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. But many factors of the disease can affect your emotions, he says. You have chronic pain. You may feel anxious about becoming disabled. You may worry that you need too much help from your family. And you may be concerned about changes in the appearance of your hands.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seeking Help for Depression and Anxiety

There are many way to help you find relief from the depression or anxiety connected to rheumatoid arthritis. Edwards suggests that you seek support from the following sources:

Your family. Hearing the right words from loved ones can be as powerful as hearing them from a professional, Edwards says. If you're having negative thoughts such as "I'm a burden on my family," discuss these concerns with them. They can help you turn around your ways of thinking. For example, they may help you realize that even though you now rely on them for more help, they still depend on you for many things, too.

Your doctor. Talk to your rheumatologist. Your arthritis specialist isn't just there to provide rheumatoid arthritis treatment for physical problems. This doctor can also help you cope with depression or anxiety and put you in touch with mental health professionals. If you have the chance to choose between arthritis specialists, pick one who seems likely to communicate well with you, Edwards says.

Mental health experts. Psychotherapists often work with people managing chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis to help boost mental well-being. Some of these specialists also teach pain management techniques, such as relaxation or meditation, as well as methods to help you better manage the emotional and physical hurdles of a chronic disease. Referrals from your health care team can be very beneficial in helping find a mental health expert who you connect with, an important aspect of successful treatment.

Medication. Many antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications are available to treat depression and anxiety, Edwards says. Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about whether this type of medication is right for you and your situation. Some antidepressant drugs also help relieve pain — an added benefit to this type of treatment.

Pain specialists. Specialists within pain treatment centers, which are found in many areas, teach patients how to better manage pain. This can include techniques to change ways of thinking about and dealing with rheumatoid arthritis pain. Your family doctor or rheumatologist can help you find pain specialists in your area.

Support groups. Spending time with a group of people with rheumatoid arthritis can provide help beyond emotional support, Edwards says. Comparison support allows you to meet role models who successfully deal with their problems; instrumental support teaches how to solve day-to-day problems; and informational support shows where to find reliable facts about your disease.

McKee went most of his life without knowing other people with rheumatoid arthritis until he became involved in his local Arthritis Foundation programs in his late 30s. "You build these relationships and bonds that are just incredible," he says. "It changed my life beyond what words can express. I was in serious depression and solitude, and didn't know where to turn, and it provided me an incredible opportunity to help others."