Hi Jill😊 anxiety can be a real bitch to deal with. 13 years ago I dealt with the death of my Dad, major move, my son being diagnosed being on the autism spectrum and the start of menopause. I did not have RA (that I was aware of) at the time. At some point the stress was just too much. My Gyno put me on Xanax as needed and then another added citalpram. At first it worked, but it is a slippery slope with meds like that. They work for a while and then start to cause the opposite effect. My anxiety became crazy to the point where I thought I was bipolar. I spoke to Dr and weaned myself off everything. The only meds I take are for RA.

Do I still have anxiety at times, yes. Sometimes it's the RA, like when I have a pity party for myself, other times it life in general. For me the best thing to do is to get away from whatever is causing it and go for a walk. Doesn't matter where,outside in nature is the best but even if I just go to Walmart and wander around it helps.

I also try to go an do something else to take my mind off of whatever set off the anxiety. Other times I call my BFs and just chat about whatever and that helps. Even screaming into a pillow can help(just make sure the neighbors can't hear you lol)

Anything you can think of to pull yourself away from the thoughts can help.
Hugs I hope this helps

Agreed, keeping moving helps my pain and my anxiety! Stay positive!

I work full time as a nurse. I love my job and my patients. I look at my patients and think about how it could be worse for me, but then again if my right ankle was not swollen and hurting all the time I would have a perfect job. I get aggravated at patients who complain about things to get free stuff from the system.

I already had generalized anxiety. But it's worse in the morning. Once I start moving around I get better.

Don’t dwell on it , keep your mouth bd occupied. Make something, paint. I do coloring when my hands feel better. I also sew, help out in community