You will need support from other people. Chronic pain and arthritis complicates daily living, and surrounding yourself with a support network is as important as any other thing you do to help manage your disease. Your support network will help you in many ways, but primarily they will help you find solutions and make adjustments that will make life easier.

Communicate with Other People Who Have Arthritis

You will find that you have a special camaraderie with other people who have arthritis and face similar challenges. Who can understand what you deal with on a daily basis better than someone who shares your concerns?

Local support groups are a great way to meet other people with arthritis who live in your community. Shared experiences promote mutual understanding. In a support-group setting, you can socialize and learn from others at the same time. You will meet people who will understand you, want to help you, and befriend you.

You may not be able to find a local support group close to where you live, especially if you're in a rural area. The Internet has created a network of support groups you may choose to consider joining. Some people prefer the convenience of online communities to local support groups. Online communities offer chat rooms and message boards. The message boards are usually accessible twenty-four hours a day, every day.

There are numerous online arthritis support communities. Find one that suits your personality and has a tone you find helpful and comforting. The arthritis forum at About.com (arthritis.about.com/mpboards.htm) and the Arthritis Foundation discussion boards (www.arthritis.org/communitiesnew/Forum/msgboard.aspx) are just two examples. An online search will yield several other possibilities.

Talk to People in Whom You Can Confide

The frustrations that accompany living with a chronic disease will begin to build up if you don't vent. Among your family and friends, reach out to the individuals who are good listeners and those you feel comfortable confiding in. Talking to people and sharing your innermost feelings is an effective way of decompressing.

Don't isolate yourself or think that you have to deal with the challenges of chronic arthritis by yourself. Identify the people you feel you can depend on to lend you an ear and don't be shy about letting them know how important that is to you. At the same time, don't take advantage of their willingness to support you. Be considerate: Don't call them when you know they are going to bed; don't make every conversation only about you; and ask about their lives and offer the same level of caring in return.