Hi there, The Arthritis Society of Canada describes depression as a symptom of arthritis, yes.
The Cycle of Pain
Longterm, untreated pain (and pain that keeps going even tho being treated) causes difficult emotions (like anger) and leads to depression. Also, longterm depression leads to physical pain. The two go hand in hand.
We teach at the Arthritis Self-Management Program (Arthritis Self-Help Program through the Arthritis Foundation in the States) that you can break the pain cycle at any point, it just takes time and practice to learn how. And you might have to break it 50 billion times a day until you get the hang of it. At least, it'll feel that way at first.
Hope that helps.
Hugs,
