Healthy Living with AxSpA: Managing Mental & Emotional Health

In part two of our Healthy Living with AxSpA video series, rheumatologist Hillary Norton, MD, and licensed clinical health psychologist Jana Bolduan Lomax, PsyD, provide valuable insights on managing the mental health challenges that often accompany chronic illnesses such as spondyloarthritis.

Discover practical tips and strategies that require minimal time and financial investment, such as practicing gratitude, engaging in outdoor activities, stress reframing, and more. Learn how these subtle adjustments can significantly enhance your mental and emotional wellness while navigating the complexities of spondyloarthritis.

Mental Health Resources

For additional mental health support, please see the following list of resources provided by Dr. Lomax.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy:

Podcasts/Books:

Self Compassion:

In the case of a crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or dial 911 in case of emergency.

SAA would like to thank UCB for supporting this project.

Related Resources

Navigating the Emotional Impact of Chronic Illness

Watch as health psychologist Kristin Kilbourn, PhD, MPH outlines the effects of SpA on mental and emotional health and provides an overview of techniques to improve coping and strengthen wellbeing. Recorded at SAA’s summer 2022 virtual Patient Educational Seminar.

Battling Our Demons: Emotional Health and Spondyloarthritis

Elizabeth Maines, PhD, gives an overview of the stages of grief for those diagnosed with a chronic illness, and offers practical tips for improving emotional health and resilience, from her perspective as both a clinical psychologist and a person living with AS.

The Link Between Stress and Chronic Illness

Stress has long been known to impact our immune response. Finding ways to manage and reduce stress can help decrease the frequency and duration of disease flares, and reduce the overall impact of chronic illness. Read the article by Lauren M. Smith, PhD, LP and Erin Kauffman, MS, LPC.

The Emotional Effects of Spondyloarthritis and COVID-19

Watch as professional counselor Dana Hall, LCPC discusses the intersection of chronic illness, mental and emotional wellbeing, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Recorded at SAA’s fall 2020 virtual Patient Educational Seminar.

“The Anniversary,” by Philip Donlay

I had an important anniversary not long ago that almost snuck past me. I came across a file of old calendars that date back to 2007. I flipped to the exact date, ten years ago now, of a follow up appointment with a rheumatologist. I remembered sitting in the exam room and hearing for the first time the words “ankylosing spondylitis.”

Some Days Are Better Than Others

Watch this presentation by health psychologist Jana Bolduan Lomax, PsyD, from SAA’s spring 2018 Patient Educational Seminar.