Self-management shouldn’t mean managing alone

This election month, we’re hearing plenty about HEALTH – hospitals, waiting lists, surgery, medicines and the health workforce. 

These are important issues. But for people living with arthritis and other long-term conditions, living well is about much more than what happens in hospital. 

Think about what helps you manage your arthritis. 

Things like having a GP who listens, access to physiotherapy, the right medication, an affordable local pool or exercise option, flexibility at work, support from whānau, or knowing where to find good information when you need it, can all make a big difference. 

These things can all make self-management possible. 

Living with arthritis involves a lot of self-management. 

It might mean managing pain and fatigue, keeping active, taking medications, looking after your sleep and wellbeing, attending appointments, making changes at work or home, and finding ways to keep doing the things that matter to you.  

But self-management shouldn’t mean managing alone. 

The services and communities around us matter too, like healthcare, supportive workplaces, affordable opportunities to be active, accessible communities and good information. All these can make it easier to look after your health and stay connected to the things that matter to you.

During an election, health can easily become a conversation about what happens when people are very unwell. 

But what about helping people stay well, get support earlier and continue living their lives? 

As you hear the different health policies and promises this month, you might also ask: 

Will this help people get the right support earlier? 

Will it help people with long-term conditions stay active, work and participate in their communities? 

Will people have a fair opportunity to access the support they need? 

Good health policy isn't only about treating illness. It's also about creating the conditions that help people and whānau live well. 

At Arthritis NZ, listening to people living with arthritis is an important part of our advocacy. 

What you tell us helps us understand what's working, where the gaps are and what could be better. 

We bring those experiences together with research and evidence to inform our submissions, conversations with decision-makers and advocacy on issues that affect people living with arthritis. 

Because the things that affect your health aren't always found in a hospital. They can be found in your workplace, your home, your community and your ability to access the support you need. 


Use our election health policy checklist

We’ve created a simple printable checklist with six questions to help you consider what different health policies could mean for people living with arthritis.

As you consider the different policies and promises, think about your own experience of living with arthritis. 

What has helped you live well? 

What would you like to see more of? 

And what could make things better for the next person living with arthritis? 

Your experience matters, not only in how you manage your own health, but in helping us understand where change is needed. 

Self-management matters. But nobody should be expected to manage alone. 

Learn more about Arthritis NZ advocacy here: Advocacy page - Arthritis NZ