You stated your suggestions so well. I really wanted to see what others had to say and I wanted the question out there for newbies looking for help. Depression is not something I have a problem with at all. God has blessed me with an upbeat and positive personality. In spite of the pain and multiple medical challenges, I find great joy in just being alive. If I have the opportunity to make someone's day better, I have found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! BTW, sometimes I do have to deal with anxiety ... so much of what I go through is so painful and expensive, a double whammy. I love Psalms 131 and try to be in that place at those times. It talks about how God has calmed and quieted my soul. I am walking beside Him fearlessly like a small child. I asked for strength, God has given me great peace. Hugs. =^^=

I use a lot of post its and have set timers to take my supplements at the same time every day. I have to work really hard to get at least 60 min walk each day. My pain level is at 20 minutes....meaning that if I can
make it for 20 minutes I can make for an hour. After 20 my endorphins kick in so I can kick butt! and the sun, the glorious sun and the sound of the waves.

For your energy level you can take vitamins to help boost your energy. If you can get a little time to do soft exercise that also helps.
There is no tricks that can help with the pain. It all depends on your disease and how active it decides to be on that day. I find that if you can find a way to have less stress it helps. On my bad days I try to take my mind to a Happy Place. Think of all your many blessings. Everyone needs time to grieve for their old ways, and except your new reality. There is a Happy life even with RD. You can learn to have peace and happiness in your life. Myself I have had this disease for so long, most days I can ignore the pain and move on.
Family just needs to understand what is going on with you. Find some information regarding your RD and ask them to read it. Or you can even allow them to read a couple of posts on this site so they can understand, you are in pain, even if you look like you are ok. RD is called the invisible disease for a reason. You may not see it, but it is there.most of the time it is hard for family members to understand your pain, because they can't see it. In time and education they can learn that you are not in control, and there will be days that you feel ok, and days you just can't even get around. RD has many faces and you don't know where or when it decides to attack.
Just remember that you are a Warrior and you can and will survive, and have a good life, even with RD.
Blessings to you and Yours

I keep track of all my doc appointments, lab draws, events in my personal life, and anything else I need to remember in my phone and as a hard copy on my calendar.(And asking my daughter) I take the supplements my body needs to increase functioning and restore depletions in my body (Such as Alpha Lipoic Acid, Super B Vitamins, CoQ 10, Magnesium, Omega 3, Vit C, Probiotics). You can meditate, do Tai Chi, listen to music, talk to friends or anything else that helps relieve personal stress. Eat a well balanced diet rich in omega 3's, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (Or frozen).I also have a personal therapist I go to that helps with depression and keeping my head on straight. Read-Read-Read! Educate yourself! I hope this helps. Have a Blessed Day

I like how you mention grieving the old ways. I also believe that is key to being a healthy person who has RA. Until that happens, a "new normal" can not emerge. I can still choose to be a healthy person, make healthy choices in spite of the disease in my body. This process took letting go of the old me and being open to the changes in my life. =^^-