Not knowing what the future holds shouldn’t stop you enjoying life. Once you accept you have arthritis and learn to live with it, the next step is to understand how to live well with arthritis If you try and focus on what you can do rather than what you are unable to do then you will feel more positive.  You can find access to information on emotions, relationships and sexuality from the following sources:

Emotions, relationships & sexuality | NRAS

Emotions, relationships and coping with RA | NRAS | Wellbeing and RA

Versus Arthritis – Relationships and Arthritis – How to strike a Healthy Balance

Arthritis has an impact on many aspects of a person’s life and the lives of those around them whether you are newly diagnosed or you have been living with the condition for a while. You can change because of your arthritis and relationships can change as a result.  This website can help you to strike a healthy balance between arthritis and your relationships.

Relationships and arthritis: how to strike a healthy balance (versusarthritis.org)

NHS – Maintaining healthy relationships and mental wellbeing

Our relationships are a really big part of our lives, whether they’re with a partner, friends, family or even your relationship with yourself.  Taking small steps to improve your relationships can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing and improve the way you feel about yourself and the other people in your life.

The tips and ideas on this website that can help you to address challenges and ensure your relationships are healthy, positive and supportive and include:

• Your relationship with yourself
• Healthy Communication Strategies
• Managing Stress together

Maintaining healthy relationships and mental wellbeing – NHS (www.nhs.uk)