10 Things Only Someone with Rheumatoid Arthritis Will Understand

Pain involved with RA is indescribable, and is unlike more common pains such as a headache or sore muscle. It goes beyond pain, beyond discomfort, and beyond fatigue. People without RA simply aren’t able to understand.

Sometimes their “thoughtful advice," while it has good intentions, can come across as insensitive.

Nobody except you knows exactly how you feel. Not even your doctor or closest friends and family.

People living with RA know exactly what triggers their pain and discomfort, and what makes them feel better. People comparing your pain with their pain is not only unhelpful--it can be insulting. Saying "I take a bath when my joints hurt; why don't you try that?" is not as helpful as it may seem to them.

Discomfort and pain in RA can be felt anywhere throughout the body and in many forms, even considering your mental health. It's been proven that people with rheumatoid arthritis, especially women, are much more susceptible to depression and anxiety than people without. Considering that, it's essential to keep up with your mental health just as much as your physical health. Treat your brain like the essential organ it is.

We know that rheumatoid arthritis can be a rough disorder sometimes, but don’t worry. You are not alone!

Here are ten things anybody with rheumatoid arthritis will understand. Maybe share this with your friends and family to help them understand just a bit.

Which things would you add to our list?