Additional Resources

The term “mental health” describes a person’s overall state of mind or mental well-being, which fluctuates over time. It’s the capacity to cope with daily stressors, form connections and relationships, and overcome obstacles. Mental disorders, on the other hand, are diagnosable conditions like anxiety and depression. These can cause persistent distress and impede a person’s ability to function for prolonged periods of time.

Everyone has mental health. Not everyone has a mental health disorder or illness. However, the two are interconnected. A person can have positive mental health while dealing with a mental illness.

For people living with arthritis, the focus is often on the physical: medications, joint pain, inflammation, fatigue and more. Yet, people living with arthritis are at a higher risk for anxiety and depression. We’ve put together some mental health resources below, which can be a great starting point for developing coping mechanisms and tools to navigate mental health challenges with arthritis. However, they should not be used in place of medical advice from a qualified mental health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mental health?

Mental health describes a person’s overall state of mind or mental well-being. It’s their capacity to cope with daily stressors, form connections and relationships, and overcome obstacles. Mental health exists on a continuum, and can fluctuate over a person’s lifetime. The key to positive mental health is resilience or the ability to use coping mechanisms and tools to overcome stress and adversity.

What are mental disorders and illnesses?

Mental disorders are diagnosable conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These cause persistent distress for a person and can impede their ability to function for prolonged periods of time.

What's the difference between mental health and mental disorders?

A helpful way to frame the two is that everyone has mental health. Not everyone has a mental health disorder or illness. The two are interconnected. You can have very good mental health or positive mental health while dealing with a mental illness.

How common are mental health challenges in people with arthritis?

There is a significant amount of research to show that mental disorders are more common in people with arthritis. Estimates tend to vary by type of arthritis and measures used to look at anxiety and depression (there are different scales). But overall, we see that between 20 and 40% of people with arthritis experience a mental health disorder at some point.

How do mental health experiences differ in people with vs. without arthritis?

There are similarities in terms of the presentation and symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, people with arthritis have many other factors that can affect mental health: chronic pain, fatigue, having to manage a disease, and more. These factors can negatively impact mental health. People with arthritis also have to learn to adjust to their illness, which can be very challenging. People often describe it as a sense of loss, whether it’s to do with what they could normally do before, social relationships, ability to work or go to school, etc. Arthritis adds an extra layer of challenges to life.

Why is mental health important when living with arthritis?

When people are living with arthritis, there is a significant focus on the physical health. Mental health isn’t always prioritized. However, mental health is just as important because we know that, if a person has arthritis, and a mental health disorder like depression or anxiety, it can affect how they respond to medications, as well as their ability to reach remission in their arthritis.

What should someone with arthritis do if they are struggling with their mental health?

This will differ from person to person. Some people might feel comfortable talking to a trusted friend or family member. It can also be helpful to speak to a family physician who is well-trained to provide suitable treatment options. People with arthritis can also talk to their rheumatologist or a nurse practitioner at their rheumatologist’s office, if one is available. Within Canada, there are also 24/7 mental health support lines (such as 9-8-8) available to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

What barriers do people with arthritis face in terms of accessing care for mental health?

People can face several barriers when seeking care for mental health:

  • It can be difficult to express feelings and talk to someone.
  • Even when ready to get help, there are often financial barriers, as counseling or therapy are not funded by the Canadian healthcare system.
  • When someone does find a counselor who’s covered by insurance or the healthcare system, there are long wait times. These long wait times can impact a person’s ability to seek help.

what are some recent research findings on the treatment of mental health in people with arthritis?

Dr. Alyssa Howren on her mental health research key findings: 

  • I have worked to disentangle the bidirectional relationship between arthritis, depression and anxiety. So five years before a diagnosis and five years after a diagnosis, we saw elevated healthcare encounters for depression and anxiety. A healthcare encounter includes things like a visit to your family physician to talk about depression or anxiety or a visit to a hospital to seek care for depression or anxiety. It can also include any medications, such as antidepressants, dispensed at a pharmacy.
  • I also conducted research to evaluate mental health treatment for people with arthritis who have depression and anxiety. Research results showed that individuals with arthritis tended to have an increased perceived need for mental healthcare, and this was particularly high for men.
  • My research also revealed that around 50% of people with arthritis, with depression and anxiety, were not receiving adequate care for their mental health.

Videos

Anxiety & Depression in People with Arthritis: Patient Stories

In this Arthritis Research Education Series episode, patients bravely share their personal stories about the impact of arthritis on their mental health and the strategies they use to improve their mental health and overall well-being.

Anxiety & Depression in People with Arthritis: Research

Hear from Dr. Susan Bartlett, Dr. Deborah Da Costa and Dr. Mary De Vera about research being conducted to better understand the prevalence of anxiety and depression in people with arthritis, and what we can do to address it.

Webinar: Anxiety & Depression in People with Arthritis

Arthritis Research Canada’s Drs. Susan Bartlett, Deborah Da Costa and Mary De Vera share research and resources on the important topic of anxiety and depression in people with arthritis.

Arthritis Wellness Conversation on Mental Health

In this Arthritis Wellness Conversation, patients share their experiences with mental health challenges and tips for managing their emotional well-being.

Articles

Study Highlights Need for Improved Mental Health Care for People Living with Inflammatory Arthritis

Arthritis Research Canada’s research results show people living with inflammatory arthritis are not receiving adequate care for anxiety and depression. Read More

It’s Okay to Not be Okay – Speaking up about Arthritis and Mental Health

By talking openly about her experience, Eileen Davidson (who lives with rheumatoid arthritis) hopes to break the silence and reduce the stigma and misconceptions that plague arthritis and mental health. Read More

Arthritis & Mental Health: It’s Complicated

People living with arthritis are more likely to experience mental health issues. In fact, up to 70% of individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis report having anxiety and up to 38% say they experience depression. Research teams are working to understand the connection between arthritis, physical health and mental health in order to improve care and quality of life. Read More

It’s Not Just Joint Pain: Mental Health in Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatic diseases can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. Addressing mental health is crucial for improving quality of life and treatment outcomes. Find out what Eileen Davidson, a member of Arthritis Research Canada’s Arthritis Patient Advisory Board has to say about this important topic. Read More

The 11 Moods of Rheumatoid Arthritis — and How I’ve Learned to Cope with Them

Eileen Davidson wasn’t prepared for the emotional and mental health roller coaster that followed her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. Find out what she’s learned along the way. Read More

Helpful Links

Suicide Crisis Helpline

If you are feeling like you have lost hope and are struggling to cope, if you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, or if you are worried about someone else, 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is here for you. When you reach out, a trained responder will listen without judgement, provide support and understanding, and can tell you about resources that will help. Learn More

suicide.ca for Quebec Residents

Thinking about suicide? Worried about someone? Grieving? Our team is here for you. We provide professional and confidential service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn More

Hope for Wellness Helpline

Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn More

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, multilingual and confidential support to help all young people Feel Out Loud. Learn More

Arthritis Research Education Series: Anxiety and Depression in People with Arthritis

Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research to better understand the prevalence of anxiety and depression in people with arthritis, why this is occurring, and what we can do to address it. Our research seeks to improve the level of care provided to people with arthritis by helping inform healthcare decision making and by providing patients with tools and resources to assist with their own self-care efforts. Learn More

Crisis Centre of BC

The Crisis Centre of BC offers 24/7 immediate access to barrier-free, non-judgmental support via phone and SMS services, providing help and hope to individuals, organizations, and communities. Learn More

Mental Health Services in Canada

Looking for mental health services? This is a list of support from the Canadian Government for those in crisis. Learn More

Mental Health Resources by the Canadian Mental Health Association

Mental health is not only the avoidance of serious mental illness. Your mental health is affected by numerous factors in your daily life, including the stress of balancing work with your health and relationships. This is a list of resources by the Canadian Mental Health Association to help you stay mentally fit and healthy. Learn More

Virtual Mental Health Supports

Virtual services are available for British Columbians who are experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges. Learn More

Mental Health Commission of Canada

A variety of accessible resources on mental health, including fact sheets, explanatory briefs, and guides tailored for individuals of all ages—from teens and parents to young and older adults. These materials offer clear, practical information to help people better understand mental health, recognize challenges, and find support for themselves or others. Learn More

Where to Get Care – A Guide to Navigating Public and Private Mental Health Services in Canada

When you need mental health support, it can be hard to know where to turn. Your options also vary, depending on things like where you live, how much money you make, whether you have access to benefits, and what language you’re most comfortable speaking. This guide addresses key questions to help you navigate the public and private options that are available in Canada. Learn More

CAMH: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

As Canada’s largest mental health hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres in its field, CAMH is committed to making care more accessible and effective for everyone facing mental illness and addiction. No One Left Behind is a promise we make together. To make better mental health care for all a reality. Learn More

Conversations About Mental Illness: What to Say and How to Say It

We all feel sad, worried, scared, or suspicious at times — and that’s just part of life. However, when these feelings start to get in the way of our daily lives, over an extended period of time, there might be more going on. Download CAMH’s guide to start a conversation about mental illness. Learn More

Heads Up Guys

Heads Up Guys is the world’s leading men’s mental health resource. Learn More