Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can bring on sudden, unwelcome change—change that affects both you and the people around you. The reality is that it's never easy. But maintaining strong relationships with those close to you can be an important part of managing change. The key is to be as open as possible. Tell your family and friends how you feel and what your needs are, and ask them to do the same.

We all like to feel independent, like we don't have to rely on others, but everyone needs help from time to time. Don't be afraid to ask for some, and return the favor when you're feeling better. Research shows that a strong support system can actually help improve RA.

No one knows how RA affects you quite like you do, and it can be frustrating to try to explain. For a guide that you can hand out to family and friends to help them better understand RA, click here.

To view the guide to helping others better understand RA, you need Adobe^® Reader^®. If you don't have it, you can download it for free by clicking here.