Did you know that around 1 in 5 adults in the US say they’ve been diagnosed by their healthcare professional with some form of arthritis? And that rate goes up to almost 1 out of 2 if you’re over 65. That’s a lot of people with arthritis. And you might be surprised at how many of these folks are willing to talk about it.
People Are Ready to Help
There’s nothing like talking to someone who “gets” where you’re coming from. Not only can they offer a sympathetic ear, but they can also share their personal tips and experiences. You may already have friends or family members with arthritis. Why not try talking to them about it?
Consider Joining a Group
There are many different groups for people living with arthritis. Whether you’d like to share emotional support with people who understand what you’ve been going through, or exchange info about research, education, care or treatment, you have plenty of options. There are probably groups near your community that you can participate in face to face. Or, you can look online for many more group and chatroom options. Some groups include medical professionals or are sponsored by hospitals. Others are “grass roots” efforts where individuals with similar interests can connect.
"Whether you’d like to share emotional support with people who understand what you’ve been going through, or exchange info about research, education, care or treatment, you have plenty of options."
You may find any of these groups helpful depending on what you’re looking for. Your doctor’s office or local hospital is a great place to start your search. Or, the Arthritis Foundation has chapters across the country that may be able put you in touch with a group you might like. They also sponsor large and small events throughout the year where you can meet other people.
