The Knowledge Board:
Arthritis
Depression, being emotionally, distressed are a couple of symptoms people rarely link with illnesses like Arthritis and Rheumatism conditions. However the ‘Think Positive’ survey conducted by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the Standing Committee of People With Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe (PACE) for World Arthritis Day (WAD), revealed that psychological support is fundamental for those who suffer from Arthritis and Rheumatism.
The ‘Think Positive’ survey (which was also the theme for World Arthritis Day 2008) aim is to support arthritis/rheumatism sufferers who are challenged on a daily basis with the pitfalls and distress of coping with these illnesses. EULAR and PACE’s survey conducted with over 3,600 people unveiled that arthritis and rheumatism suffers believed that they would be able to cope better and their quality of life would be improved if emotional and psychological support was integrated with their standard treatment.
The results from this survey in conjunction with World Arthritis Day 2008 raised the issues of how problematic arthritis/ rheumatism can be for people to live their life positively and independently. The campaign identified that health policy decision makers needed to put in place a defined policy to ensure that arthritis and rheumatism sufferers didn’t continue to miss out on social, employment and leisure opportunities due to lack of confidence and the restricting, debilitated effects arthritis/ rheumatism can often cause for the individuals.
Self-management courses are now available in the UK and some parts of Europe by people who have been specifically trained to give psychological support and coping strategic techniques to help those who are living with arthritis and rheumatism. The overall aim for these sessions is for arthritis and rheumatism sufferers to acknowledge and realise that they can live fulfilling, rewarding lives whilst enhancing their life skills.
However
“There is still a need for better awareness and access to different forms of psychological support for people with arthritis/rheumatism. We hope that the ‘Think Positive’ campaign on World Arthritis Day and the results from the surveys will be heard by health policy makers on a national and international level.” Sandra Canadelo, the Chairperson of People With Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe
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