Trying to Understand how to Help a Friend with Fibromyalgia - Page 3
© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)
Even within the community of those of us with fibromyalgia, we can forget that others don't feel up to talking or being given suggestions of things to read or do to help us when we are having a very difficult day. We can become angry with our friends because sometimes it seems to us that they are just making another demand upon our time and energy. We have to learn to say, "I know that you care for me, but right now I need my space." If another feels rejected because of our honesty, then it is their problem and not ours. We can be oversensitive towards the needs of others with fibromyalgia, but we have to remember that taking care of ourselves first is our main priority. Not all of us with fibromyalgia have the same levels of pain and other symptoms, and each day can be different for us.
I count my friends as those who are like this wonderful woman. She knows that she will never fully understand her friend's pain and fatigue levels, but she is trying. That is what will ultimately help her friend, because when there is true compassion and unconditional support, we know that we are not alone. Being alone is different than having time to ourselves, and just knowing that we are not alone and isolated because of our chronic condition is what gives us hope. Hope that our lives will be filled with genuine friendships and love that places no demands upon us.
Suite 101 Fibromyalgia Mailing List
For those of you who need a gentle reminder when a new article is posted, or would like to be notified when a new link is put up, I have developed a notification e-mail list which would have you receiving four to five e-mails a month. If you want to be put on this mailing list, just click on my EMAIL link at the top of this page and drop me a line with your e-mail address and I would be happy to add you.
Jausten's Journal
For those who are interested, I have been keeping a daily online journal since April 1997. Some entries are related to my struggles with fibromyalgia, while others are related to my life in general. If you are interested in reading it, just click on my HOME PAGE link at the top of this page, and I'd appreciate having my guestbook signed so I know that you have visited. Thank you.
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