Arthritis, emotions, education, employment, and me
- Written by: Stacey Highfield —
- Published: 31st May 2017

Stacey shares her experience of psoriatic arthritis, it's emotional impact and her journey into work.
Stacey spoke at the ALLIANCE annual conference on 30 May 2017, and her opinion coincides with the publication of the Arthritis and Work survey, a joint survey carried out by Arthritis Care Scotland and Glasgow University.
What do you visualise when you hear someone saying they have arthritis?
You may imagine an elderly person who’s lived a long life, not a 29 year old woman, who’s been living with Psoriatic Arthritis for 14 years? Spending the past 5 years of it in a wheelchair, who lost their job at 23 years, due to progression of her condition? Well that’s the reality of life for me since I was 15 years old!
The Arthritis and Work survey carried out by Glasgow University, highlights the impact of arthritis on work and the reality of living daily with pain, fatigue and disability. This report reflects how arthritis has impacted on me and many people living with a fluctuating condition.
With both my school and college education affected by the pain, fatigue and limitations I was experiencing, I was further devastated now to realise that I had no choice but to leave my job. Working in a pub meant I was on my feet all day, being physically demanding job, I had to admit that I now wasn’t able to do it.
Taking this decision was huge, the build up to it, physically and emotionally, was extremely difficult, there are many different issues that come up when your condition starts to affect your future. There’s a lot of anxiety, stress, shame and frustration when you find yourself starting to struggle to do things you have previously done with ease.
You then think that you have two options; you either tell your boss and fear that you may lose your job, or you hide it and fear you may come across as incompetent; either way you may lose your job anyway.
I spent many months struggling, not really knowing what to do about it or where to go for help and advice. This takes a huge toll on you mentally, you are in a constant state of worry about your condition, will you keep your job, or get another job? You wonder what happens if you lose your job, how you will cope on benefits, or even if you will get benefits, and how this will affect your live and relationships with people around you.
Like many people who live with a long term condition such as arthritis, I have had very little support to help me plan a career and future working life while living with a long term condition. Recently I have had support from Arthritis Care to build my confidence and skills, I was able to get help to return to work through their Joint Working service, almost 6 years since I lost my job. I am now in a placement that allows me to manage my condition, test my stamina and capacity within work. This will enable me to make informed choices when moving back into the workplace. If I had the right support earlier, my life may have taken a different path.
End of page.
You may also like:
Sustainable funding can unlock the transformative power of creative engagement for tackling stigma.
Continue readingTo build a positive culture of human rights, everyone needs to know and be aware of their rights.
Continue readingEveryone deserves a safe and affordable home - Scotland must act now to make housing a human right for all.
Continue reading'What Matters to You?' is a question that transforms live through kindness and compassion. Read the story of Napier House in Fife.
Continue readingHuman rights are the path to a fairer, stronger Scotland; each step we take today helps to shape our future.
Continue readingThe Charter of Rights for People who live with and experience issues around substance use is about to be launched.
Continue readingSimple GDP growth alone does not deliver a fair, human rights respecting society and public services.
Continue readingHeidi Tweedie, Jane Miller and Dr Patty Lozano-Casal reflect on the need to end mental health stigma and discrimination in healthcare.
Continue readingThe benefits of collaborative analysis approaches and why more should embark on this process.
Continue readingHilda Campbell shares COPE Scotland's thoughts and ideas for keeping well and improving your wellbeing during the winter months.
Continue readingAs the Self Management Network Scotland reaches 1,000 members, Joanne McCoy, Manager at MySelf-Management reflects on the network's value.
Continue readingJohn Watson, Associate Director of Stroke Association Scotland, shares how vital investment into stroke care is.
Continue readingInsecure, poor quality housing is making people ill and fuelling health inequalities in Scotland.
Continue readingDespite the recent concerns over the Scottish Human Rights Bill, the day felt insightful and optimistic.
Continue readingAfter gathering nominations to help identify an area, the Scottish Government has proposed a new National Park to be created in Galloway.
Continue readingLearn about the Partners in Integration programme delivered by Scottish Care to achieve a more cohesive and integrated care service.
Continue readingFuel poverty isn’t just an energy issue – it’s a public health issue that demands urgent attention.
Continue readingAt Glasgow’s Byres Community Hub, something special unfolds once a month on Fridays from 11 am to 1 pm.
Continue readingCOPE Scotland launch new campaign with resources to support the journey to increased confidence and self-belief.
Continue readingTom shares his journey with self management, since being diagnosed with epilepsy four years ago.
Continue readingRead about the Nystagmus Network's BBC Radio 4 charity appeal on 11 August and how this has raised awareness of the eye condition.
Continue readingRebecca's research into social connectedness highlights the importance of strong community networks and services in rural areas in Scotland.
Continue readingSoberBuzz give an overview of their work and what it means to them to be nominated for the Self Management in the Community Award.
Continue readingMoira Anderson Foundation give an overview of their work and what it means to them to be nominated for the Self Management in the Community.
Continue readingFinding Your Feet discuss their work and what it means to them to be nominated for the Self Management in the Community Award.
Continue reading