Emotional wellbeing
Living with inflammatory arthritis can be challenging
emotionally as well as physically. It is important to try to look
after your emotional and psychological health so that you can
better cope with any physical challenges you are facing. This could
include:
- Living well with long-term health conditions, pain and
fatigue
- Sleep management
- Living mindfully with stress and illness
- Worry and Anxiety
- Stress management
- Men living with depression
- Low mood
- Relaxation
- Anger
Face to Face Support
Your GP can be a valuable support and may be your first point of
contact for Face to Face support. They can also help point
you in the direction of services in your area.
From 1 September 2019 the Vita Health Group will be the provider
for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). This
replaces the 'Bristol Wellbeing Therapies', 'Talking Therapies' and
'Positive Step' services in Bristol, North Somerset and South
Gloucestershire.
You can refer yourself to the service for online using the link
below or be referred by GP.
https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-mental-health/bristol-north-somerset-south-gloucestershire/
Bristol City Council
- For local groups and support networks
https://www.wellaware.org.uk/info-resources/find-activities/
North Somerset Council
- For local groups and support networks
https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/socialcare/health/mental-health/mental-health-concerns/
South Gloucestershire Council
- For local groups and support networks
https://www.southglos.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/staying-healthy/mentalhealth-emotionalwellbeing/
Bath and north East Somerset
If you are registered in Bath and North East Somerset, then you
can access free help through B & NES Talking therapies. They
have a range of courses including one on living with chronic pain
and ones on managing stress, worry, anger and sleep disturbances.
You can contact them directly on 01225 675150 or your GP can refer
you.
https://iapt-banes.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/about-us/
https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/care-and-support-and-you/mental-health
On-line Support and Resources
You can access free guidance to help yourself online.
Versus Arthritis (Arthritis Care and Arthritis Research
UK merged and became Versus Arthritis in September
2018)
https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-well-being/
National Rheumatoid Arthritis (NRAS)
This national charity has many booklets such as 'Emotions,
Relationships and Sexuality', 'Fatigue Matters and 'Sleep Matters'
that you can download or order as a paper copy. They also have
webinars and video courses and a telephone volunteer helpline.
- To request a call from an NRAS Telephone Volunteer call the
helpline on: 0800 298 7650 (between 9.30-4.30pm Mon-Fri) or email
helpline@nras.org.uk
Mind
The national charity Mind offers a comprehensive list of guides
and links to local networks and services
- Downloadable introduction to mindfulness
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/mindfulness/#.Xa7k4m5FyUk
NHS
- NHS approved apps - some of which are free to use, some have a
charge.
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/filter/?categories=Mental%20health
- 'Living life to the full' offers free online courses such as
Living Life to the 'Full - Tailored Support for Chronic Pain',
Using a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Approach. Much of the
course content is free but you do have to register.
https://llttf.com/
