From healthcentral.com
Psoriatic arthritis is way more than physical. Meaghan Quirin opens up about what plays into her emotional game with this condition
Meaghan spent years navigating medical gaslighting before finally being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at 26. Now in her 30s living in New York with her husband and son, she is passionate about raising awareness for PsA and creating a space where others feel seen and understood. On Instagram (@arthritis_meggie), Meaghan shares the highs and lows of living with PsA—offering an honest look at everything from symptom management and treatment struggles to moments of joy and resilience. Through her storytelling, she hopes to help others find answers, support, and community. Follow her here on HealthCentral, where she’s answering all your pressing questions about how to live your best with PsA.
Question: How has psoriatic arthritis impacted your mental health?
One of the biggest ways PsA affects my life is the mental toll it takes. The exhaustion makes socializing difficult, chronic illness management (ahem, dealing with insurance) is incredibly stressful, and the anxiety of never knowing when a flare might upend my life is always present. The hardest part for me is the sense of lost independence and the uncertainty of how my health will impact my future. It’s really hard to pull yourself out of a dark place when you’re physically and emotionally exhausted. For years, I tried to push down the mental health struggles that came with my chronic illness, but they always found their way back to the surface. I eventually realized that before I could help myself, I had to allow myself to feel the sadness and grief that comes with a life-altering diagnosis. It took time, but I’ve built a well-rounded toolkit for managing my mental health.
Through trial and error, I found that working with a therapist familiar with chronic illness has been incredibly helpful. Journaling, practicing gratitude, and breathing exercises help keep me grounded, and making sure I get enough fresh air and movement has been a game-changer. When my PsA was at its worst, I could barely walk without severe pain, so now I truly appreciate the simple things—like stepping outside for a walk to clear my head (plus, it’s great for my joints!).
Another key part of my mental health routine you might not expect? Daily dance parties (when my joints allow it). Chronic pain can bring a heavy energy that weighs me down, and dancing is my way of releasing that. It reminds me to incorporate more playfulness and joy into my life, even in small moments. Learning to balance the emotional impact of PsA is a continuous process, but finding ways to release stress and reconnect with myself has made all the difference.
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