Firstly, It is ok to not feel ok. Feeling down and depressed is understandable when you are living with a chronic illness. Be extra gentle with yourself on the days you feel particularly down. Not uncommon. I find it comes in waves, depends on how much pain and fatigue I am dealing with. Up a few days, then down. Enjoy the up days and be kind to yourself on the down days. If your down days persist speak to your Dr about treatment. If your pain is not controlled let your Rheumatologist know there are lots of treatments available. Reach out to us, we are here to support each other. What do I do on the particularly down days. I remind myself how incredible I am to deal with this challenge everyday, that I deserve credit for the strength and courage to endure. I acknowledge my feelings, have a good cry release. Then I pamper myself, be as kind as ever to myself. Rest, take naps, snuggle with my dog, listen to music, do something to engage my mind, surf interesting things on the internet, do a hobby or do something kind for another person. Pep talk myself to hang in there, this too shall pass, I will get through this, to hang in there medical science could find a cure any day, or at least better drug treatments. Count my blessings, focus on all the good in my life and world. I walk daily, movement is so good for the body and mind. I tell my RA “you may knock me down but I refuse to stay down! I am going to find joy and live my life in spite of you RA!” Hugs to you.

The main thing is, we can have down days. It's ok to cry or feel bad from whatever is taking over at the time. I'm not sure if I have depression or if I get low sometimes. Anxiety is what gets me and that turns into a depressed state. I started on buspirone about a year ago when life got real tough. I felt like I was having a nervous breakdown! It really has helped me. I also like to listen to music, write, color mandalas, watch TV, cuddle with my cats, talk to someone who cares, cry it out, or just go outside and breathe! Nature has a way of putting things in perspective.

Well said Huntley

Always have positivity! With positivity you have power over your circumstances rather than your circumstances having power over you. Stay focused and instead of thinking about all you can't do anymore, love the life you have now!
Have a lovely, blessed day sweetheart!
Love, hugs and kisses
Cat