Asking for help can be hard, but it may change the way you experience life with arthritis.

When you live with arthritis, certain tasks you're used to completing may become more difficult. Whether it is harder to lift up your toddler because of back pain or harder to accomplish all you need to do at work as a result of fatigue, arthritis can truly change your life. These changes may not only make everyday tasks more difficult, they may also depress you. The most important thing you can do for yourself in the face of arthritis complications, whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with the condition for years, is learn how to ask for help. Your loved ones will in most cases be happy to lend a hand, and you may find you can manage life more efficiently than you thought arthritis would allow.

Are you hesitant to ask for help?

Many of us grew up receiving the message that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Or perhaps we're usually the people our friends and family come to for help and support, and we don't want to reverse that dynamic. However, living with arthritis symptoms may mean some kind of help is necessary to accomplish the things you need and want to do from day to day. Here are a few questions to think about if you hesitate to ask for help:

• What's the worst thing that could happen if you did ask for help?
• Are you afraid receiving help would put you in another person's debt?
• Is your identity tied to being strong and stoic?

Answering these questions can help you break through the barriers that prevent you from asking for help. You may wish to discuss your thoughts with someone you trust, or to write about them in a journal.

Know what you need

When you're ready to approach someone about receiving some extra help, remember you have the right to ask. It's also very helpful if you have something specific in mind. Most people do want to help their loved ones, but it can be hard to determine what to do. If making dinner after a long day is too tiring for you, or cooking with arthritis is painful, consider asking someone you live with to take over this task. If childcare wears you out when you’re dealing with arthritis fatigue, perhaps you could ask a friend to arrange a regular play date for your child away from your home, during which you can rest.

For more on coping with arthritis:

Coping with Arthritis: Tips to 'Keep Your Cool' at Home
7 Ways to Cope with Financial Stress — and Save Your Health
When the Diagnosis Is Terminal. Eleven Steps Toward Coping and Hope