Absolutely it can. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about 2 1/2 years ago. I have changed meds a few times, and now the meds I am taking have things pretty much under control.

When I was diagnosed, it caused me to become more depressed, and one of the results is my having to close down my business, which was losing money. The last couple years have been difficult financially, and I wasn't telling my wife the whole financial story. I hit bottom about two months ago. I am now working in the same industry, but for someone else. I had been self-employed for 24 years.