can having arthritis lead to depression and anxiety?

Yes. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis can increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety, largely due to chronic pain, reduced mobility and the impact these changes have on daily life. When symptoms make it harder to work, socialise or stay active, it can take a toll on emotional wellbeing.

That’s why understanding how this type of arthritis and mental health are connected is an important first step. Keep reading to learn about this link, how to recognise the signs early, and access the right support.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune condition that can manifest in various ways. Being aware of the symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. Here are some key symptoms to watch for:

Common RA symptoms

Joint pain and swelling: One of the hallmark signs of RA is pain and swelling in the joints. This often occurs in smaller joints, such as those in the hands and feet, but can also affect larger joints like the knees and hips.
Stiffness: Many individuals with RA experience stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This stiffness can make it difficult to move the affected joints.
Tenderness: Joints may feel tender to the touch, and this tenderness can be accompanied by warmth and redness in the affected areas.
Symmetrical symptoms: RA typically affects the same joints on both sides of the body. For example, if one hand is affected, the other hand is likely to show similar symptoms.
Fatigue: Many people with RA report feeling unusually tired or fatigued, which can be a result of the chronic inflammation in the body.
Reduced range of motion: As the disease progresses, you may notice a decrease in the range of motion in your joints, making it challenging to perform daily activities.

What are anxiety and depression?

Depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions that can affect how you think, feel and cope with day-to-day life.

Depression is characterised by persistent sadness and a lack of interest in activities that used to be enjoyed. It can disrupt sleep, appetite, and concentration, leading to feelings of fatigue and hopelessness.

Anxiety, on the other hand, involves excessive fear or worry that persists without a clear cause. While everyone experiences stress occasionally, those with anxiety disorders find it challenging to manage these feelings, which can interfere with daily life.

Recognising the signs early and seeking professional support can make these conditions easier to manage and improve your overall mental wellbeing.

Symptoms of anxiety

Physical symptoms: Common physical symptoms include panic attacks, racing heart, and feelings of tension or restlessness.
Excessive worry: Individuals may experience excessive fear or worry that is not always connected to a specific situation, impacting their quality of life.
Avoidance behaviour: There may be a tendency to avoid situations that trigger anxiety, which can affect social life, work, or study.
Psychological symptoms: Symptoms such as obsessive thinking or catastrophising can be prevalent, leading to increased stress.

Symptoms of depression

Loss of interest: Individuals may find themselves withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed, leading to a significant decrease in social interactions.
Changes in appetite: There may be noticeable changes in appetite, resulting in significant weight loss or gain.
Sleep disturbances: Trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep can be common, leading to feelings of tiredness during the day.
Concentration issues: Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks at work or school can arise, making daily functioning challenging.
Feelings of worthlessness: Individuals may experience feelings of helplessness, guilt, or worthlessness, which can further exacerbate their emotional state.
Increased irritability: A heightened sense of irritability, frustration, or moodiness can be prevalent, affecting relationships and daily interactions.
Persistent sadness: Feeling unhappy, sad, or miserable most of the time is a significant indicator of depression.

Both conditions can cause physical symptoms and occur alongside chronic illnesses like arthritis.

For example, fatigue and chronic pain can be mistaken for signs of depression, which is why it's important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional.

The depression, anxiety and arthritis connection

There is a significant link between RA and anxiety and depression. Research suggests that rates of depression and anxiety among people with arthritis can be up to ten times higher than in the general population.

For instance, a 2025 meta-analysis found that anxiety affects about 13.5% of people living with RA, while depressive disorders occur in roughly 17.9% of patients.

These figures are noticeably higher than estimates for the general population, where depression is thought to affect only around 2–4% of people.

This is because chronic pain can lead to poor mental health, which in turn can worsen the perception of discomfort and disability. Let’s take a closer look.

Can Arthritis cause depression and anxiety?

Yes, arthritis can increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety. From inflammation and chronic pain to stiffness and reduced mobility, its physical symptoms make everyday tasks harder, which naturally increases stress levels.

When your ability to work, socialise or take part in activities you enjoy is limited, it’s common to feel frustrated, distressed or even helpless. You may also feel a sense of increased rumination, which in turn may lead to fatigue and negative emotions.

Over time, these challenges can affect mental wellbeing, leading to chronic stress, anxiety and depression.

The impact of depression and anxiety symptoms on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Depression and anxiety often exacerbate RA symptoms, affecting pain perception and overall functionality. Research indicates that these mental health conditions can lower a person’s pain threshold, increasing sensitivity to discomfort.

People experiencing depression may also find it more difficult to stay motivated with treatment routines, exercise programs or self-care habits that normally help manage arthritis.

This creates a vicious cycle where untreated anxiety or depression makes arthritis harder to live with, and worsening symptoms further impact emotional wellbeing.

Addressing both mental and physical health together is essential for breaking this cycle and improving overall quality of life.

Managing anxiety and depression with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Managing anxiety or depression alongside RA is possible, and the right combination of interventions can make a real difference to your daily wellbeing.

While the most suitable approach to mental health management differs from person to person, most people benefit from a combination of psychological support, practical lifestyle changes and medical care.

Psychological therapies

Talking therapies are often a first-line treatment for anxiety and depression.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you recognise unhelpful thoughts and develop more realistic, problem-solving responses to stress.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving communication, resolving conflict and strengthening relationships.

These therapies can be delivered by mental health professionals, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Staying active and making healthy lifestyle choices

Regular movement supports both physical health and mental health. Activities like walking, swimming, or strength and balance exercises can help reduce physical pain, calm anxious feelings and improve energy levels.

A balanced diet and consistently adequate sleep also play important roles in managing the physical health problems associated with arthritis while supporting mental wellbeing.

A range of different health professionals are available to support you with lifestyle change, from dieticians, exercise physiologists, and occupational therapists to physiotherapists and GPS. These practitioners can help you choose activities that are safe and suitable for you.

Prescription medication

For moderate to severe symptoms, a doctor may recommend antidepressant medication in addition to specialist mental health services.

Your doctor will discuss the benefits, possible side effects and how the medication may interact with any arthritis medication you’re already taking.

Medication should only be changed or stopped under medical supervision. Most people find it works best when combined with ongoing psychological support.

Support from the people around you

Support from family, friends or carers can make your mental health plan easier to maintain.

Staying connected, sharing concerns and having encouragement to keep up with healthy routines can all help you feel more confident and supported as you manage arthritis and your mental health.

How to seek support from a trained health professional

If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, you don’t have to manage it alone.

A General Practitioner (GP) is the best place to start. Your GP can assess your symptoms, rule out any physical causes, explain treatment options and create a Mental Health Treatment Plan if you’re eligible for Medicare rebates on psychological therapy.

They may also prescribe medication or refer you to certain mental health professionals.

You should also let your rheumatologist or arthritis specialist know how you’re feeling, as mental health can influence your physical symptoms and overall treatment plan.

Several mental health practitioners can also support your care:

As mentioned above, psychologists provide therapies such as CBT and IPT. They are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialising in mental health problems. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication and provide psychological therapy. They manage care for people with severe or complex symptoms.
Mental health nurses help monitor your mental health, support treatment plans and provide education about your condition.
Accredited mental health social workers offer counselling and practical strategies, including CBT-based approaches, to help you manage daily challenges.
Mental health occupational therapists assist with everyday functioning and may teach relaxation and coping strategies.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health specialists provide focused psychological strategies that are culturally safe, including assessment, advocacy and help accessing services.

Learn more about Rheumatoid Arthritis and mental health

In summary, RA can significantly impact mental health, leading to conditions such as anxiety and depression. It is vital to recognise the signs and seek professional help to manage both physical and mental health effectively.

With the right support and treatment, individuals can improve their quality of life and better cope with the challenges posed by RA.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for guidance and support.

You can also find trusted, curated resources on The Arthritis Movement’s Clara app, your virtual companion for living with arthritis.

Curating answers to your needs, Clara delivers easy-to-understand explanations backed by credible information from our knowledge base and reputable partners.

Download Clara on iOS or Android today.