How does rheumatoid arthritis effect a person mentally?

All people are different and cope differently with things. I have had trouble with RA for most of my life and have had several operations done on my as a result including a complete elbow replacement. To be quite honest about it I see my condition as a bit of bad luck and carry on regardless, on some days I may feel a little sad that I am unable to do things that I would normally be able to do. and find the medication regime and the side effect a real pain in the arse, however When I look at some of the photos of my great grand mother and having had a close relation ship with my mother who also suffered severely from this disease I am forced to look at the bright side becomes without modern medicine which was not as available to my mother and absolutely unavailable to my great grandmother I feel fortunate that at least there are things I can do to keep the situation under control. things could be worse.