Living with a chronic condition is hard, but no one needs to tell you that. Every day you endure the pain that comes from psoriatic arthritis (PsA). And while some days are better than others, the aches, swelling, and stiffness are always there. Furthermore, your red, dry skin can make you feel embarrassed.

It’s no surprise that PsA can leave you anxious, stressed, and depressed. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are some strategies that can help you manage your condition and your mental health.

A Vicious Cycle with Psoriatic Arthritis

We tend to think of physical and mental health as separate things. The truth is that everything is connected. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate the symptoms of PsA and lead to fatigue, swelling in the fingers and toes, throbbing joint pain, and trouble with digestion.

The worsening of symptoms can lead to further depression as you contemplate a life of constant pain. And the issue continues to spiral. 

A Holistic Approach

Traditional medicine focuses on treating a specific problem. And it certainly has its place in modern healthcare. For people with PsA, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and immunosuppressants are crucial in reducing pain and swelling, keeping the immune system under control and slowing the progression of PsA.

Holistic health care goes beyond medications. It is the practice of treating the whole person, not just the problem. Our physical, mental, and spiritual health are interconnected. Therefore, treating the mental health aspect of PsA and managing the physical conditions is crucial. 

Complementing traditional medicine with a holistic approach, you can begin to break the vicious cycle of mental health affecting PsA, and vice versa.

Managing Your Mental Health with Psoriatic Arthritis

The holistic approach to managing your mental health emphasizes self-care. It’s also a journey of discovering what works for you. As a starting point, here are some examples of how you can integrate holistic health into your daily routine and enhance your mental well-being:

Meditation

Multiple studies have shown how meditation can help lower blood pressure, improve mental clarity, and bring about emotional balance. Practicing meditation enables you to stay present in the moment and approach your thoughts and emotions non-judgmentally. And it doesn’t require you to sit for hours in silence. If you’re just starting, you can start to see the benefits with only five minutes of meditation.

Gratitude Journal

When you’re not feeling well, it becomes easy to fall into a pit of negative self-talk. Regularly writing down things you are grateful for can boost your mood and reduce stress. This practice shifts your focus from a negative mindset to a positive one.

A gratitude journal can also help improve your relationship with others as you become increasingly aware of the kindness and support of your loved ones. 

Yoga

Yoga focuses on breath control, meditation, mindfulness, and physical postures to improve the body-mind connection. It’s easy on swollen joints and promotes relaxation and stress reduction. It also enhances mental focus and brings a sense of calm to your overall being.

Nutrition for Psoriatic Arthritis

A balanced, healthy diet is essential for improving your mental health. Amino acids from foods such as eggs, lean meats, nuts, seeds, and legumes help produce neurotransmitters that regulate your thoughts. Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are fish high in omega-3 fatty acids and effective in treating depression. Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries can fight inflammation. And dark chocolate contains serotonin, which can reduce depression.

Creating Your Holistic Treatment Plan for Psoriatic Arthritis

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston believes in treating the person, not just the problem. Our caring team, led by Dr. Tamar F. Brionez, takes the time to discuss your PsA and explore options. We will create an individualized treatment plan of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes based on your symptoms and physical abilities. We can also assist in connecting you with the right resources to improve your body and mind connection, whether it be yoga or a support group.

Call (281) 766-7886 to schedule an appointment.