***This content comes from the Joint Pain Programme Journal by Nuffield Health. As a Rehab Specialist running this program, I’m excited to share these helpful insights with you all.
People experiencing issues related to joint pain often describe having times when they feel low or down.
Understanding Low Mood
Everyone experiences low mood at times in their life. Low mood may be:
Mild: Lasting a short time with little impact on your life.
Severe: Holding you back from getting on with your life.
People with joint pain often describe having times when they feel low or down.
Sometimes, those periods of low mood can become prolonged.
Your mood may be affected by frustrations about not being able to get on with daily activities, particularly if you are less motivated because of the difference between your expectations and what is achievable.
Mood, Motivation, and Joint Pain
Low mood and depression are common among people with chronic pain. Low mood can:
Affect how you look after yourself.
Increase the risk of further ill health.
If you are feeling depressed, you may be less motivated to follow healthy daily routines. This may lead you to:
Skip important medication.
Avoid exercise.
Continue unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
Learning to manage your low mood is therefore an important part of your program.
Most commonly, low mood is associated with a reduction in activities and also unhelpful thoughts.
The 4 Corners Of Me: Unhelpful Cycle
When I’m Experiencing Low Mood
What keeps your mood low?
The way you think about yourself, how you spend your time, and how you feel physically can all be affected by low mood.
Changes in these areas can then lead to your mood worsening, creating a vicious circle.
Events can sometimes build up and snowball to feel overwhelming.
Look at the example above to see how this happens.
Your Space to Reflect
📍 Starting Point
- How does low mood affect your daily activities?
- What changes do you notice in your motivation when mood is low?
🤔 Looking Deeper
- When have you successfully lifted yourself out of low mood?
- How does your activity level affect your mood?
💡 Exploring Possibilities
- Which activities help boost your mood most effectively?
- What small steps could help rebuild motivation?
🔄 New Perspectives
- How might understanding the mood cycle change how you handle low periods?
- What would maintaining motivation during difficult times look like?
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