Quick answer: Ask for help if low mood, loss of interest or hopelessness last most days for two weeks or more, or stop you managing daily life. Talk to your GP, or in England self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies. If you are thinking about harming yourself or feel unsafe, call 999, contact NHS 111, or call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time.
Need help now? If you feel you might harm yourself or are not safe, call 999 or go to A&E. You can also contact NHS 111 (in England, choose the mental health option) or call Samaritans on 116 123, free, day or night. You can text SHOUT to 85258.
Living with pain that comes and goes, broken sleep and things you can no longer do easily can wear anyone down. Low mood is common with long-term conditions such as arthritis, and it is not a sign of weakness. Depression is treatable, and getting help for mood often makes pain easier to manage too. This guide helps you spot when to ask for support and where to go in the UK.
Signs it may be more than a bad week
Everyone has low days, especially in a flare. The NHS suggests speaking to your GP if you have felt down or hopeless most days for more than two weeks, or if any of these are building:
- Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Feeling hopeless, guilty or worthless
- Sleeping much more or much less, or waking very early
- Changes in appetite, or feeling tired all the time
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
- Thoughts that life is not worth living
Some of these overlap with arthritis itself, such as fatigue and poor sleep. That is a reason to mention them, not to dismiss them.
Talking to your GP
You can book a normal appointment just about mood. It helps to write down how long you have felt this way, how it affects your days and nights, and how pain and mood seem linked. NICE guidance on depression with long-term physical health problems asks clinicians to consider mood and physical symptoms together, so tell your GP, physiotherapist or rheumatology team about both.
NHS Talking Therapies
In England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing your GP first. Options often include guided self-help and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and some services have support for people with long-term conditions. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ask your GP about local psychological therapies. Medicines can also help some people; your GP can explain whether they suit you and check how they fit with your arthritis medicines.
What helps alongside treatment
- Gentle, regular movement. Short sessions from the exercise hub can help mood as well as joints
- Pacing. Planning activity across the week avoids the boom-and-bust that can drag mood down; see our pacing guide and fatigue guide
- Sleep. Settling pain before bed and keeping regular times can help; see how to sleep with arthritis
- A flare plan. Knowing what you will do when pain spikes reduces fear; use our printable flare action plan
- Staying connected. A regular call or visit, a local group or a befriending service can make a real difference
Our mental health hub and arthritis and mental health guide go into more depth.
Money, work and caring worries
Worries about money or work often feed low mood. If arthritis affects daily living, the Benefits & PIP hub explains what you may be able to claim. If someone cares for you, they may be entitled to a carer's assessment, which can support you both.
If you are supporting someone
Listen without trying to fix everything, encourage them to speak to their GP, and offer practical help such as booking the appointment. If they talk about ending their life or you think they are in danger, call 999.
Frequently asked questions
Is depression common with arthritis?
Low mood and depression are common in people with long-term pain. Your GP can help, and treatment works for many people.
Can treating depression help my arthritis pain?
Pain and mood affect each other, so many people find pain easier to cope with when mood improves. It does not mean your pain is imagined.
Can I refer myself for therapy?
In England, yes, through NHS Talking Therapies. Elsewhere in the UK, start with your GP.
If you are newly diagnosed and feeling overwhelmed, our newly diagnosed guide sets out first steps.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Depression in adults
- NHS Talking Therapies
- NHS: Where to get urgent help for mental health
- NICE CG91 – Depression in adults with a chronic physical health problem
- NICE NG222 – Depression in adults
- Samaritans
- Shout 85258
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom — not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical review. Everyone's situation is different, so always follow the advice of your own GP, pharmacist or rheumatology team. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Mental health hub — support for mood and pain
- Arthritis and mental health — low mood, anxiety and support
- Sleeping with arthritis — better nights
- Pacing — avoiding boom and bust
- Flare action plan — printable plan for bad days
- Exercise hub — gentle movement for mood and joints
- Carer's assessment — support for the people who help you
- Benefits & PIP hub — money worries and daily living