Anticipation alone of activity-related events during the holidays can create stress that leads to the holiday blues, says Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, John Davis, MD. “Just the idea of making meals, shopping, wrapping gifts, entertaining – and the pain and joint stiffness that these activities are likely to exacerbate – can be overwhelming. What should be a happy, enjoyable time becomes the opposite,” says Dr. Davis.
But, by incorporating a few forward-thinking measures now can mean creating one of your most enjoyable holidays ever.
Check In
See your rheumatologist before the holidays begin – when appointments may be scarce – and review your current treatment strategies to see if anything can be added or subtracted to help with the extra tasks and stress that typically comes with the holiday season. “You should be empowered; not have to suffer through,” says Dr. Davis, who advises:
1. You may be a candidate for additional treatments like steroid injections, anti inflammatories or pain relievers. You may also benefit from adaptive devices like braces and splints.
2. Is your arthritis under adequate control? Can I benefit from new or additional medications? “A surprising number of arthritis patients do not have their condition adequately controlled and can have an improved quality of life with optimization of their medication management,” says Dr. Davis.
3. If you have depression don't be afraid to talk with your physician and have those symptoms treated separately. Significant sadness, stress and anxiety heighten during the holidays and should be treated seriously.
Mindfully Manage Your Health
The emotional backlash of holiday stress may be especially detrimental to those with a chronic illness, says Mayo Clinic psychiatrist, Jeffrey P. Staab, MD. “But, it is vital to differentiate between the illness of depression and holiday blues, which is the larger group that can be triggered by increased demands and unrealistic expectations,” he cautions.
In fact, says Staab, psychiatric admission are lowest during the holidays. “The two are very different and require a different approach.”
To avoid the most common stress-induced slump or crash Staab advises:
1. “Manage expectations, be realistic and don't forget to take care of yourself should be your principle strategy,” says Dr. Stabb.
2. “Stick with the things that usually work for you: talking to your spouse, reading a book. Don't forget or abandon what you already know,” he adds.
3. Keep exercising. Dr. Staab stresses the psychological benefits of exercise on one's emotional health. “Not only does exercise boosts serotonin levels, but it breaks a disabled mindset, which can sometimes settle in, especially if it's a new diagnosis or if symptoms have gotten worse,” says Dr. Staab. “Giving up on exercise and all of one's normal stress relievers is the worst thing to do, especially when demands go up.”
We had to send our beloved 14 yr old golden retriever Sedona to Heaven. She and I have suffered through surgeries and much arthritic and back pain over the years. Like your Logan, Sedona was my soul mate. Although I too am full of sorrow, I am comforted that she is again the spry girl who runs with the wind. She is whole once more. Please know that your Logan lives on as a whole happy Akita, waiting for you when you both can cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
I have severe arthitis, and have been injecting a biological for several years. The best thing I ever did for myself was getting into an exercise program. Thank you for including that one in your short list.
Walking your dog is good for both of you! I can no longer walk long distances, but I can walk around the block several times a day. Winter can be drab, but there is joy in stark beauty. Every day you're alive is a good day, is a gift! Last year I had back surgery and was recovering during winter. The gray foggy days seemed to drag on and on. I tricked my mind into thinking I was on one of my hikes in Yosemite. You can insert your own favorite place there.
My SADD friends report using a sun lamp helps, as fading daylight hours become problematic. One friend reports leaving holiday lights or a candle on helps. I regularly take my friends out for a drive to look at holiday lights, it boosts all of our spirits.
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