Being newly diagnosed with arthritis can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. One of the most important steps you can take right now is learning about arthritis self-management.
Self-management means building the knowledge, skills, and habits that help you actively manage your arthritis each day. Yes, your doctor and medications are important, but your daily choices and strategies also make a big difference in how you feel.
Here are some of the things that are part of arthritis self-management:
- Understanding your condition: get to know your type of arthritis, what changes to look out for, and what to expect. Knowledge is power
- Staying active: regular, safe movement helps reduce stiffness, strengthen muscles, and support your joints
- Managing pain: learn what works for you. Techniques like pacing yourself, using heat or cold, relaxing your body, and trying mindfulness can all help
- Making healthy lifestyle choices: nourishing your body with good kai, keeping a healthy weight, and not smoking
- Looking after your mental health: living with a long-term condition can be emotionally tough. Managing stress and low mood is part of looking after your whole wellbeing
- Setting small, achievable goals: these help you build confidence and feel in control of your health journey.
Where to find support
Talk to your GP or Māori health provider for guidance. Ask if your clinic offers a health improvement practitioner or health coach service. These services are often free but do require a referral from your GP.
What is a health improvement practitioner and a health coach, and how can they help me?
- A health improvement practitioner can support your mental and emotional wellbeing as you manage your arthritis. They can help with stress, anxiety, sleep, pain management, and setting goals for living well.
- A health coach can help you make practical lifestyle changes, such as managing weight, increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and setting achievable health goals.
Both services work alongside your GP to support your overall wellbeing and help you develop skills and strategies for managing your arthritis better.
