I think it does. Continual days of pain in many areas of the body. Lack of understanding from spouse and family as to what RA its about .

Goof morning Jayne Bradley 2 and Esther6 hope you're doing well 💗, I to have a pain Dr I also have a counselor every Tuesday morning. I didn't know I was depressed either but I knew something was wrong. I didn't want to get out of bed, didn't want to see anyone or go anywhere. I would just stay in my room and paint trying not to think about it. I have a good support system my family, my Dr.s, and this app wich I am very happy 😊 with it. Thank you my warriors you make my day better. The counselor said I have PTSD, I thought only soldiers get that because of there trauma, but found out with everything I have that would give me trauma and depression. I was really good about keeping it to myself in a closet in my head and not deal with it, but my closet is so full it just made me have anxiety and panic attacks. I have been with her for 2 years and she has helped me so much to see what I was trying to hide. I had faced it and I let go of alot of pain. I'm glad that ee are talking about mental illness, it's no longer shameful and we need to help each other. Thank you for letting me vent this group has helped me so much and I'm grateful 🙏
GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Quilter Kate. That's a great idea, Pain Management Class.
Nutrition class, health and exercise class, yoga, chair yoga, tai chi, etc. Getting out of the house, staying social and active while learning new things. Self improvement. All good stuff.

Theresa Robinson Hi. Yes I have a Psychiatrist. I have had one since I was 19 yo. That was long before I had RA. I do believe RA affects your mental health.

Mental Health sounds ok. I hope to avoid Mental Illness. Probably wouldn't know if I had it.

I'm going to keep moving, stretching, accomplishing things...as able. Staying positive can be difficult when a body is so tired and always hurts.

Yesterday, little dog chewed the earpieces off my glasses so we got new ones screwed on. I shouldn't have left them within his reach, he said. Yeh, my dogs keep me moving. And help with mental health too.