Fibromyalgia

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.