Going out

Growing up and gaining independence from your parents is exciting, but it does come with increased responsibilities, such as taking care of your own health, education and finances. It can also mean leaving home for the first time.

Your parents might worry a lot when you go out or go on holidays with your friends. Usually parents are concerned that you will overdo it – show them that they can trust you by demonstrating that you know your own limits and will stick to them. Parents will also be reassured by knowing that your friends know about how arthritis affects you.

Out and about

Arthritis can make you feel tired and sometimes going out with your mates will be the last thing you want to do. You might feel under pressure to go out, but try to listen to your body when you feel tired.

It can be difficult to say ‘no’ to your mates when they are all off clubbing, but surely missing a night out dancing is worth not making your arthritis worse by overexerting yourself? Your mates should, hopefully, be understanding, but it might help to discuss things with other young people with arthritis who will probably know what you are going through.

Maintaining an active social life can be a good distraction from arthritis as long as you take precautions not to overdo it.

You might not be able to do everything your friends do all of the time, but there is plenty that you will probably be able to do quite easily, such as taking part in after school clubs, shopping or going to the cinema or pub.

Work out with them things you find easier to do – it might mean finding a pub which has more seats rather than not going out.

Holidays

As you become more independent you may wish to go on holiday with your friends rather than your family. Taking care of yourself is just as important, or even more so, when you are on holiday as when you are at home.

There is plenty to think about when planning a holiday.

• Will the airport/train station provide special assistance or a wheelchair if you need it?
• How accessible is the accommodation?
• What facilities and activities will be available to you?

It is probably a good idea to discuss some of these issues with your mates so that they are aware of what you can and cannot do.

Driving

Learning how to drive is a big step on the road to independence. If you receive the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance you can learn how to drive at 16, which is a year earlier than most people. Motability is a charity that runs a scheme to enable disabled people to lease or buy a car.