HLA-B27 Gene...I have been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis that my rheumatologist says might be AS instead. The jury is still out. However, I do not have the HLA-B27 gene, and I...Reactions0reactionsComments2 repliesAxial Spondyloarthritis DiagnosisComorbidities
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health...Mental health includes how you think, feel, and act. It can fall on a spectrum and vary for each person. You may have questions about mental health conditions, treatment options...
Suicide Prevention...If you or someone you know is in crisis or considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or use the...
Complementary and Integrative Health...Complementary therapies and an integrative health approach are often used to treat mental health conditions. Complementary therapies include nontraditional therapies – such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga – that are...
A Realistic Outlook on Exercise...If you read my articles "An Unrealistic Outlook on Exercise" and the "All or Nothing Approach" you'll know that I haven't been successful with finding an exercise program that works for me...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments
Coping With Mental Health: Medications...Treating mental health conditions with prescription drugs is common. About 16 percent of American adults take medicine for a mental health condition. It is not necessary to suffer in silence...
Coping With Mental Health: Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)...Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy, counseling, or simply therapy. Psychotherapy is used to help with a wide range of mental health conditions or challenges. Therapy sessions can be...
Mental Health Myths and Facts...There are many myths and misconceptions about mental health. Because of the stigma around mental health conditions, it is important to know the facts. This article aims to dispel these...
3 Tips for Caregivers When They’re Not Needed...Sometimes Keegan, my husband with AxSpa, doesn’t need me. Sometimes, Keegan is back at 80% or 90% or 99%, and I am not needed. It’s a strange place to be...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
General Mental Health Resources...Living with a mental health condition may pose many challenges. It requires coping, finding treatment, and managing the impact of the condition on family, friendships, and work. Stigma can make...
What Is Mental Health?...Mental health is the range of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that affect your well-being and how you relate to others. Just like good physical health, good mental health is vital...
A Piece of My Heart...I woke this morning around 4:30 a.m. thinking of my father. When I was a child, he was up at the crack of dawn watching the sunrise, drinking his instant...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
March Is the Worst Month (and the Best Month)...I’m sitting here after a long day of work along with Keegan, my husband with AS, talking about how the weather wrecks his body every spring. For Keegan, while the...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
There Is No Universal AS Experience...One of the things that really helped me understand and move through some of the grief and confusion of my AS diagnosis was the realization that not everyone with ankylosing...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Self-Care For Spoonies: More Than A Buzzword...The National Institute on Mental Health says that self-care “means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.”...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Working with AS...How do you find the world of work whilst managing the condition? I'm a teacher in the UK and the fatigue after a day at school is unreal. I work...Reactions0reactionsComments14 repliesTips & Advice
Thrown Upside Down and Thrown About Twice...I sit here thinking as I’m about to put pen to paper so to speak. It’s hard to believe I was diagnosed over 35 years ago. I stop shaking my...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
In Sickness, and in Health...“In sickness and in health” is a pretty common wedding vow, I don’t know who wrote it, but their script is a best seller. Brides and grooms say this vow...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Take the Health and Media Habits Survey!...The Media Habits Survey is now closed. Thank you for your interest! Managing a chronic condition is not easy and can be physically and mentally exhausting. What types of media...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Lifting COVID Restrictions Makes Me Nervous...In 2022, everyone is extremely sick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trust me, so am I. I’m just not so eager to completely get back to normal, and here’s why. I...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
