Lesson 3: Coping: the psychological aspects
Extra Helpers
Exercise Here's a little exercise that can help you to become more self-aware, and also may give you something concrete to report to your doctor to help him or her help you. First of all - describe what you call a "good day." What are you able to do that you can't normally do easily? How do you feel?
Describe a "bad day" - what can you manage to do on one of these and what are you unable to do that you might normally do?
Now - can you tell what it is that you do that leads to a good day? How about a "bad day"?
Bear in mind that the factors that influence a good or a bad day tend to fall into five categories:
* Illness • Activity • Sleep and rest • Emotions • Stress
Further Reading
- Understanding the Emotions Surrounding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Although CFS is not the same as fibromyalgia they are similar in many respects - the emotions they give rise to are the same.
- An explanation of the different factors that can lead to fibrofog.
- Help your family and friends to understand about your fibro.
- An Open Letter to Family and Friends that you may find useful.
- Find a support group at Immune.com.
- CFS/Fibro Support Groups outside the US.
- Support Groups in the UK
- Support Groups for FMS/CFS Worldwide
- See also Dr. Cody Wasner, The Emotional Baggage of Fibromyalgia.
- Take a self test to see where your self esteem stands.
