Heidi Enith White (Lopez)

[CreakyJoints.org @CreakyJoints]

Explaining what it's like to live with arthritis isn't always easy. Especially to the people closest to you.

How do you explain that you're exhausted even after a full night's sleep? That your pain can change from one day to the next? Or that canceling plans doesn't mean you don't want to be there?

Sometimes, family and friends genuinely want to understand, but they don't know what living with arthritis actually feels like.

And sometimes, finding the words to explain it can be exhausting in itself.

A few things that can help:

💜 Be specific about how arthritis affects your everyday life. Sometimes examples make more sense than medical terms.

💜 Let people know what support looks like for you. Maybe it's help with a task, flexibility with plans, or simply someone who listens.

💜 Explain that symptoms can change. Having a good day doesn't mean your arthritis has disappeared.

💜 Remember that you don't have to justify every symptom or push past your limits to make someone else comfortable.

You deserve to be understood, even when what you're experiencing isn't visible.

If you've been struggling to explain arthritis to family or friends, this guide might help you start that conversation:

https://t.co/ZrHn8kiWdm

💬 What's one thing you wish your loved ones understood about living with arthritis?

#WorldArthritisDay #ArthritisAwareness #ChronicIllness

[CreakyJoints.org @CreakyJoints]

Arthritis is more than joint pain.
It's more than a diagnosis.
And it's certainly not just a part of getting older.

Today, October 12, is World Arthritis Day — a reminder that millions of people are living with conditions that can affect nearly every part of their lives, often in ways others cannot see.

According to the CDC, more than 53 million U.S. adults — roughly 1 in 5 — have been diagnosed with arthritis.

But behind that number are people whose lives don't stop when symptoms begin.

People working through fatigue. Navigating chronic pain and inflammation. Losing sleep. Canceling plans. Adjusting routines. Trying to explain symptoms that may change from one day to the next.

And sometimes, facing the exhausting task of convincing others that what they're experiencing is real.

Arthritis doesn't have one face, one age, or one story.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related rheumatic conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Each comes with its own challenges, and no two people's experiences are exactly alike.

That's why awareness must go beyond recognizing symptoms.

It means taking pain seriously. Supporting earlier diagnosis and access to appropriate care. Understanding that disability isn't always visible. Making room for accommodations, rest, and the reality that someone's abilities can change from day to day.

It also means listening to patients — not just talking about them.

At CreakyJoints, we believe people living with arthritis deserve reliable information, compassionate care, and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their health.

And to everyone living with arthritis: You are more than your diagnosis. Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. And you deserve to be heard.

This World Arthritis Day, we want to hear from you:

💬 What's one thing you wish the world understood about living with arthritis?

Your answer might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.

Explore patient-centered arthritis education and support: https://t.co/eobpvv7pKi

Different journeys. One community. 💜

#WorldArthritisDay #ArthritisAwareness #CreakyJoints

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers.

[NOTAS DE DIOS @lasnotasdedios]

Dios tenga Misericordia de Panamá
#notasdeDios
#Panamá

[EWTN ESPAÑOL @EWTNespanol]

Juntos en oración por Panamá. Ante los momentos difíciles que viven hermanos panameños rezamor por las familias afectadas.

Oh, Santa María la Antigua, Patrona de Panamá; te pedimos muy especialmente por todas las familias que han sido afectadas por el reciente terremoto, dales fortaleza, consuelo y paz, te lo pedimos en nombre de nuestro Señor Jesúcristo, acuérdate de tus hijos, quienes te aclaman y confian en Ti, con la confianza de que intercedes por nosotros, ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte. Amén.

[American Foundation for Suicide Prevention @afspnational]

Suicide prevention takes us all, today, and every single day. 💙

As #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth comes to an end, our goal to support one another, raise awareness, and save lives continues 365 days a year!

Together, we can create a world where no one feels alone.

[American Foundation for Suicide Prevention @afspnational]

Sending a little extra love your way today, tomorrow, and every day after. ✨

🎨 Artwork by Lexi Mire

[988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline @988Lifeline]

Save it, share it, say it out loud 💙

When overwhelming feelings set in or difficult times hit, it can feel like you're all alone - but you're not. If you're having a hard time seeing a way through, please call, text, or chat 988. We're here for you 24/7.

[🅂🄽🄾🄾🄿🅈 @SnoopyDaiily]

Never forget 9/11

[SAMHSA @samhsagov]

It's normal to feel grief, sadness & anxiety when remembering traumatic events, especially around memorial dates. Please know you're not alone & help is available. #PatriotDay #NeverForget
💙Coping tips: https://t.co/Xluh38TN8L
💙Counseling & support: Call or text 1-800-985-5990

[American Foundation for Suicide Prevention @afspnational]

You are not alone. 💙 If you're struggling today, there is support and help available.

You can always reach 988 Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or text TALK to 741741 at the Crisis Text Line – both available 24/7, 365 days a year.

[World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific @WHOWPRO]

It’s okay not to be okay. But you don’t have to be alone. Reach out for support and talk to someone you trust.

Starting a conversation about how you’re feeling can be hard, but it’s a brave and important step.

If someone you know is struggling, reach out. #OneConversation can save a life.

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay

[💫𝐏𝓊𝓃𝓎✨ @intensademente_]

10 de septiembre
Día mundial para la prevención del suicidio

[SAMHSA @samhsagov]

Recovery Month and World Suicide Prevention Day share a powerful message: hope and connection can save lives. If you or someone you know has survived an attempt—or is struggling now—recovery is possible and support is available. Call or text 988 or chat https://t.co/LQQ4FWBWI3

[International Association for Suicide Prevention @IASPinfo]

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.
Under the theme 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide', we call on individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to start the conversation and take action.
Explore resources and events:
https://t.co/cXZI9XaqFn
#WSPD2026

[Desde la fe @DesdeLaFeMx]

Oremos por quienes hoy sienten que ya no pueden más. 🎗🙏

Que Dios les conceda consuelo y fortaleza, y ponga en su camino personas dispuestas a escuchar, acompañar y ayudar.

Hablemos del tema aquí: https://t.co/Xt7fGmubFq

#PrevencióndelSuicidio #Oración #Acompañar

[American Foundation for Suicide Prevention @afspnational]

It's #WorldSuicidePreventionDay! 🌎💙

Whether you've lost a loved one or experienced your own personal struggles, we're sending love today to everyone who has been touched by suicide.

#NationalSuicidePreventionMonth

[CreakyJoints.org @CreakyJoints]

Pain isn’t one-size-fits-all. Neither is the way we experience it.

Burning. Aching. Throbbing. Tingling. Shooting. Localized or widespread. The words we use to describe pain matter — they can offer important clues about what may be causing it and help guide conversations about care.

For #PainAwarenessMonth, learn about different types of pain — and questions you can bring to your next doctor’s appointment, from “Why is my pain worse in the morning?” to “What could it mean if my pain has lasted more than three months?”

Understanding your pain can help you find the words to talk about it — and advocate for the care you need.

https://t.co/rVsJlsHXpR

#ChronicPain