Think Positive is Theme of 2008 World Arthritis Day…And Words to Live By
Sunday, October 12 was World Arthritis Day. This year’s theme, “Think Positive,” aimed to help people recognize and discuss the physical and emotional challenges associated with all forms of arthritis as well as positive things one can do to help increase self-confidence and positive feelings. The website cites tools and techniques such as arthritis self-management courses, seeking psychological support from health care providers, positive communication with friends/family and coworkers and building relationships with other people affected by arthritis http://www.worldarthritisday.org/
While the World Arthritis Day website doesn’t contain much information for people in the USA about finding self-management programs or seeking the help of health professionals, it does devote several pages to sharing people’s stories about techniques they use to keep a positive attitude, cope effectively and feel better emotionally.
What do you do to stay positive and cope with chronic pain?
So what do you do to stay positive and keep up your confidence? What do you do when you get frustrated or start to feel like you’re losing your sense of control over your body? Do you confide in friends or family, or your online friends through Healthcentral? Do you meditate or participate in other activities to relieve stress and recharge? Do you take your frustrations out with paper and pen (or keyboard and mouse) or let your moods flow with paint and canvas?
If not, perhaps listening, singing or playing music might help. Or maybe taking in the outdoors and contemplating nature is your outlet? Volunteering either with an arthritis related organization or other health care organization that you support can also be a great way to connect with people and make a difference at the same time. But above all, keep doing what you love to do, even if you have to modify the activity. And don’t stop dreaming.
How I stay positive
I have always maintained a fairly positive attitude when it comes to my arthritis. I’ve had it since I was a toddler, so joint pain, stiffness and flares are the only thing I’ve ever known. So as a kid, my self-made mission was to be as active as possible, participate in all the activities that I could, and to be just all of the other kids. I hated being singled out, being teachers’ pet and being teased by the other kids. I was also a tomboy, preferring to spend my time on my bike or hanging around in a tree so I never let my pain stop me. In fact, I often pushed past my limits, always testing. I thought if I hung from tree limbs or the jungle gym long enough I could straighten out the contractures in my elbows. Surgeries were a positive thing for me. I never complained about OT and PT. It all meant that I would be able to do more, and be more normal…whatever that is…and I was determined to make that happen.
healthcentral.com
|
|