Lonely this Christmas? Arthritis Care offers some answers…
16/12/2009
‘Tis the season to be jolly - but the best of times for some can be the worst of times for others. Christmas to New Year is often the saddest and loneliest period for many people with arthritis, left behind as their more mobile neighbours bustle off to share the festive break with loved ones far away.
Thankfully, most of the nine million people with arthritis in the UK can go the whole Hogmanay. They are able to live life fully, daily challenging their condition with help from friends, family, their doctors, and services from support organisations like Arthritis Care.
But for many severely affected by arthritis, Christmas brings cold comfort instead of good cheer. Not only do friends and neighbours vanish, but many surgeries, clinics and pharmacies are closed for the holiday. As cold weather sets in, spare a thought for those home alone, trapped by icy pavements and excluded from seasonal activities like Christmas shopping, seeing the lights, joining in carol services, or even attending church. In rural areas, there may be no bus for visiting friends, and no post office for sending parcels to the grandchildren.
Pain, disability, joint deformity, fatigue, and powerful medications can rule out the simple Christmassy activities many of us take for granted - like going to parties, enjoying a celebratory drink, carving the turkey, putting up decorations, or just wearing a nice frock or fashionable shoes. It can all add up to loneliness and depression instead of seasonal sparkle.
And whilst Christmas is costly for us all, it may totally exclude folk who survive all year on disability benefits. Many can’t afford Christmas presents and postage, or expensive fares to their families, let alone festive treats and outings. Some can’t afford to turn on the heating, and, although exercise might warm them up, and mean welcome contact with other people, they can’t even go outside.
That’s why Arthritis Care is opening its Helplines during the Christmas holiday, including on New Year’s Eve. It means there’s a lifeline – a friendly voice for people who desperately need support when there’s nobody else to listen. The website discussion forums will remain open too, bringing isolated people together in virtual companionship, wherever they are.
My life changed so much for the better when I joined the forum. I spend a lot of time at home on my own, but I really feel that you are all my virtual family. I can come on here and communicate with everyone. It makes me feel better and gives some purpose to my life,’ said one user.
‘Pain seems more bearable for a while when a problem is shared’, reported another.
‘Over 90% of calls to Arthritis Care’s Helplines are cries for help about pain - and I’m sad to say Christmas is one of our busiest times. So we want people to know that they don’t have to be alone, it won’t cost them a penny to pick up the phone, or click on the forum, and find people who understand and care’, said Arthritis Care’s Jane Spence.
‘Together, we can help beat isolation. Christmas is a time when Arthritis Care’s support is needed most – but we need your support to give it. We want to answer more cries for help, to support more carers, and to campaign for more people on issues like accessible public transport - but it all costs money. So share the goodwill and help us to keep on helping. It will be a lonely Christmas without you’, she said.
Arthritis Care’s free, confidential Helplines 0808 800 4050 (10am-4pm weekdays) will open on December 29th, 30th, and New Year’s Eve. They are staffed by trained counsellors with personal experience of arthritis. Visit Arthritis Care website to join a discussion forum or to make your Christmassy donation.