People with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) already have a lot on their plates trying to cope with the symptoms of this inflammatory disorder that mainly affects the spine. In severe cases, vertebrae in the lower spinal column can fuse together forcing the person into a hunched-over position. That in turn, can make it hard to breath deeply.

Unfortunately, many AS patients carry another burden, one that can affect their quality of life just as deeply as  AS. We’re talking about depression.

Studies have determined that pain is a detrimental factor that leads to depression, more so in women than in men, but there is no conclusion to the findings. There is a silver lining, of sorts. Unlike AS, which has no cure, depression and related mental disorders are highly treatable.

Here are a few resources that may assist you in finding support and/or help for treating depression and the symptoms of AS:

• National Organization for the Mentally Ill
• Spondylitis Association of America
• National Organization for Rare Disorders
• Financial Assistance for AS
• Financial Assistance for Depression

People with rare diseases, such as AS, are among the bravest people we know. Share your story with Patient Worthy!