Enhancing Mental Health of Children with Juvenile Arthritis

Little Sarah woke up with a swollen and unbearable pain in her finger. As she cried in pain, her parents panicked trying to figure out the cause of their daughter's swollen finger. They had a shock of their lives when their 6-year-old child was diagnosed with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

“I might look like a normal child, but my insides were screaming in pain every day. I can't eat, dress and even speak sometimes. It is even worse than living lonely,” said Sarah now 18.

Just like Sarah, there are about 300,000 children who are suffering from Juvenile Arthritis (JA) and about 1 in 250 children are diagnosed with arthritis in the United States. The most common type of childhood arthritis is Juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

'July' is marked as a juvenile arthritis awareness month to increase awareness for early signs and symptoms of JA and even appreciate little warriors who are bravely battling with this disease. Arthritis is commonly associated with old age, unfortunately, but kids get arthritis too!

If your child has also shown symptoms of arthritis, then please take them to a clinic of pain management Atlanta, GA for consultation.

The children suffering from JA are known to have signs of mental health problems due to their disease.

This article focuses on the mental health of JA children and how parents and teachers can help these children.

About Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is an umbrella term for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions developed in children under 16 years of age. Commonly known as pediatric rheumatic diseases, there are about 7 types of JA that share many common symptoms like pain, joint swelling, redness, and a warm feeling in the area of pain.

Some types of JA can also affect the musculoskeletal system and can also include the eyes, skin muscles, and gastrointestinal tract.

Senior citizens suffering from arthritis do get the necessary treatment from the best clinic in Woodstock pain management in Georgia.

Statistics

At a tender age, it is very difficult for children to suffer from this chronic ailment which largely impacts mental health. A Canadian study reveals that more than half of children suffering from arthritis, diabetics and asthma have mental health problems.

According to a recent survey by the Arthritis Foundation, U.S.A which surveyed about 140 youths ranging from 14-24 years old with three forms of arthritis and 345 parents, almost two-thirds complained about anxiety issues, about half reported depression and almost a third reported adjustment disorders.

The results were shocking as it highlighted the urgent need to improve mental health issues among children with JA.

Researchers also claim that children suffering from both physical and mental problems experience poor quality of life just within 6 months.

Parents play a pivotal role; it is important to come up with a better family-centered way through simple talks, love, warmth, care to give comfort, motivate him/her to accept life’s problems and find ways to overcome it.

Need to Improve Emotional Well being

Children with JA are prone to aggressive behavior, irritation, poor communication and likewise. This is because your mind and body are closely linked and your chronic physical condition can affect your mental health.

The best way to cope with these severe chronic pain is to focus or divert your child's attention into activities that he/she enjoys doing.

But how?

Stay in touch with your child's doctor to keep his/her disease in control, thereby reducing side effects and medications.

Work towards providing physical and emotional care to your child like a healthy diet, physical therapy, exercise, music or art, etc.

• Motivate to participate in social activities and expose them to several community services that can help to get rid of negative emotions.

• If the situation worsens, then visit a professional counselor who might help in fighting depression. Before things get worse, turn to a clinic for professional pain management treatment in Atlanta, GA.

• Have interactive conversations with your child, let him/her feel that they are not alone.

Count on us!

Kroll Care is a renowned center for pain management in Atlanta, GA that offers effective pain management treatment using opioids. These medications can help you to relieve pain and improve your quality of living. Visit us now!