"Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you are going." - Noam Shpancer.

The aches and pains caused by avascular necrosis can put a damper on your spirits. It's hard to keep your chin up when your joints are stiff and aching. The throbbing pain can put a halt to your favorite activities. And as the disease progresses, taking care of your basic needs, such as using the washroom or climbing stairs, would seem more challenging. That's why most patients suffering from avascular necrosis also experience distress and other mental health issues.

Pain and depression go hand in hand. Hence, it is normal to feel depressed when suffering from severe pain. AVN can lead to severe pain, limping, and reduced mobility, or complete restriction of motion. As a result, the inability to perform tasks or be dependent on another individual can lead to depression.

The mindset and attitude of the patient can contribute to the overall well-being of the patient. Patients who believe that they are helpless or foresee catastrophic consequences are more prone to depression and anxiety. And depression may further worsen the development of AVN. The depressed patients tend to have more active inflammation and are less likely to take medication regularly or cooperate with treatment

“You don’t have to be positive all the time. It’s perfectly okay to feel sad, angry, annoyed, frustrate, scared and anxious. Having feelings doesn’t make you a negative person. It makes you human.” - Lori Deschene

Dealing with AVN can be daunting and discouraging. Hence, here are some signs and symptoms that can help you keep your mental health in check:

Most of the patients are scared, frustrated, and sad, but this is not depression. But, if a patient is diagnosed with clinical depression, AVN treatment should be accompanied by treatment for depression.

It is normal to feel sad and hopeless due to your AVN disease. However, boosting your mental health can help you manage the pain better. Here are a few ways to help you improve your emotional and mental well-being:

Practice simple breathing exercises. Try inhaling and exhaling deeply for a few minutes.

Dedicate at least 15 minutes each day to the things that bring you joy. Listening to calm and soothing music can also help you relax.

Moving can help your body and mind feel better. Light yoga can help you stretch your muscles and joints.

A warm water bath can reduce joint pain and help you relax. It can instantly lift your mood. And to make the process more relaxing, you can light some candles and put on soothing music.

Every day, write three things you are grateful for in life.

Studies have proved that spending time with animals can lower stress hormones and stimulate feelings of happiness.

Spending time with them will help reduce stress and lift your mood.

Try and get at least 8 hours of sleep. Avoid checking your phone before you sleep, instead read a book.

Sunlight is essential for synthesizing vitamin D and is also a great mood elevator.

Talk to your friends, family, or members of a support group about what you're experiencing.

Managing your mental health when diagnosed with a medical condition is crucial for your overall well-being. Hence, as a patient, what you can do is adopt a good self-care regime. And sometimes, it could be easier said than done. In such situations, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional.

“Life is not the way it’s supposed to be, it’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.” - Virginia Satir.