Young Adults with Arthritis Q&A

Young Adults with Arthritis

There are over 212,000 Canadians between the ages of 18-34 living with arthritis. It can be a painful and debilitating condition, posing challenges as young adults begin to plan for their future, including education, employment and family. We recently talked to a panel of young adults with arthritis to get their perspectives on living with the disease as well as strategies to overcome these challenges.

Photography of Joy - Question 1What was it like finding out you had arthritis? Is there anything you know now that you wish you had known then?
Image of a "A" and the sentence "What they said"
Photography of Dina-Marie
Photography of Kiah

Photography of Angie - Question 2Learning how to manage a chronic health condition takes time and perseverance. In your experience with arthritis, what strategies have helped you the most?
Image of a "A" and the sentence "What they said"
Photography of Jennifer

Photography of Joy - Question 3Can you describe how your condition has impacted your family and/or social life? What do you do to successfully juggle competing demands?
Image of a "A" and the sentence "What they said"
Photography of Cristina
Photography of Jennifer

Photography of Angie - Question 4Coping with a chronic condition like arthritis can have an impact on a person’s mental health. If you’re comfortable speaking about it, has your condition impacted your mental well-being in any way? If so, what strategies have helped you deal with these challenges?
Image of a "A" and the sentence "What they said"
Photography of Jillian
Photography of Dina-Marie

Photography of Joy - Question 5Living with significant health challenges can teach you a lot. What are some of the positive/ empowering things you’ve learned throughout your arthritis journey?
Image of a "A" and the sentence "What they said"
Photography of Jillian
Photography of Cristina

Photography of Angie - Question 6What have your experiences been like in disclosing your condition to others? Did you face any challenges and if so, what have you learned from those experiences?
Image of a "A" and the sentence "What they said"
Photography of James
Photography of Cristina

Photography of Joy - Question 7Has your condition impacted your career or altered your career goals? If so, what positive steps have you taken to navigate these changes?
Image of a "A" and the sentence "What they said"
Photography of Jennifer
Photography of Kiah
Photography of Allyson
Photography of James

Photography of Angie - Question 8Since being diagnosed, have you had to make any major life adjustments? If so, what were they and what strategies helped you cope with these adjustments?
Image of a "A" and the sentence "What they said"
Photography of Kiah
Photography of Jillian
Photography of Allyson