| As Fibromyalgia (FM) sufferers we are often | | | | tension, and uneasiness in response to a real or |
| made to feel like our pain is “all in your | | | | perceived threat. Although anxiety is considered |
| head”, but research has consistently proven | | | | a normal response to temporary periods of |
| that Fibromyalgia is not a form of depression or | | | | stress or uncertain situations, prolonged, intense, |
| hypochondria. IT IS REAL! However, there is a | | | | periods of anxiety may indicate an anxiety |
| connection between FM and other chronic pain | | | | disorder. Other indicators of an anxiety disorder |
| conditions to depression and anxiety. Treatment | | | | are anxiety that occurs without an external threat |
| is important because both can make FM worse | | | | and anxiety that impairs daily functioning. |
| and interfere with symptom management. | | | | What can cause depression & anxiety? Stressful |
| There is some debate by medical and mental | | | | life events, chronic stress, low self-esteem, |
| professionals about what causes what. The | | | | imbalances in brain chemicals and hormones, lack |
| “What came first? The chicken or the | | | | of control over circumstances (helplessness and |
| egg” debate translates into “What came | | | | hopelessness), negative thought patterns and |
| first? The chronic pain or the depression?” | | | | beliefs, chronic pain, chronic physical or mental |
| TRUE Fibromyalgia experts, researchers and | | | | illness, including thyroid disease & headaches can |
| others know that the chronic pain of FM & | | | | ALL cause both. Little or no social and familial |
| overlapping conditions leads to depression and | | | | support can be a main factor in depression for FM |
| anxiety. | | | | patients. Family history of depression & anxiety |
| Fibromyalgia is a common condition in which a | | | | can also be a factor. |
| person suffers from chronic musculoskeletal pain. | | | | Lack of quality sleep is also believed to have an |
| There are points called tender points, sometimes | | | | influence on depression. Since FM & Chronic |
| all over the body, and these tender and painful | | | | Fatigue Syndrome patients tend to have insomnia |
| points are used as part of the diagnosis of FM. | | | | and/or other sleep disorders, it stands to reason |
| Individuals with FM may also be more susceptible | | | | that poor sleep can lead to depression. |
| to pain in general. Whenever the tender points are | | | | There is a wide variety of medications, vitamins, |
| simply touched, they can send sharp pain impulses. | | | | minerals, herbs and therapies that can help ease |
| Many Fibromyalgia sufferers experience pain all | | | | the impact of pain, anxiety and depression. With |
| over and some experience pain only in specific | | | | so many out there, you and your doctor may |
| regions. It can involve the muscles and the joints. | | | | have to go through the process of trial and error |
| Sometimes, there is so much pain that it is hard | | | | to find what works best for you! |
| to pinpoint exactly where the pain originates. | | | | Exercise is not only good for FM, it is also highly |
| Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by other | | | | beneficial for depression and anxiety. Recent |
| overlapping conditions such as chronic myofascial | | | | studies suggest exercise can change your brain |
| pain (CMP), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), | | | | chemistry. Exercising can boost your level of |
| irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), restless legs | | | | serotonin, a brain chemical that is effects mood |
| syndrome (RLS), migraine & tension headaches, | | | | and pain perception. It can also stimulate the |
| interstitial cystitis (IC), mitral valve prolapse (MVP), | | | | production of endorphins, natural painkillers that |
| cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety and | | | | can give you an overall feeling of well-being. |
| more. The symptoms of Fibromyalgia, alone, are | | | | Exercise is a great for stress, too. It relieves |
| wide-ranging and debilitating. Do they really think | | | | muscle tension and it gets the heart rate up. The |
| that depression and anxiety is the CAUSE for | | | | combination makes us more relaxed and alert, |
| ALL of the above? | | | | which helps us deal with our problems in a calmer |
| Depression is a mental illness characterized by | | | | and more controlled way. |
| feelings of profound sadness and lack of interest | | | | There are several other methods you can use to |
| in enjoyable activities. It is a constant low mood | | | | combat stress, including: meditation, deep |
| that interferes with the ability to function and | | | | breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, |
| appreciate things in life. It may cause a wide | | | | mental imagery relaxation, relaxation to music, |
| range of symptoms, both physical and emotional. | | | | biofeedback, counseling - to help you recognize |
| It can last for weeks, months, or years. People | | | | and release stress. |
| with depression rarely recover without treatment | | | | You can learn more about this topic, medications, |
| and if you have Fibromyalgia, you may have to | | | | supplements, alternative therapies and more at |
| fight it for the rest of your life. | | | | my website AND I will be writing more articles - |
| Anxiety is a normal state of apprehension, | | | | so check back here! |