Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that involves aches and tenderness in tissues and muscles of the body. This tenderness can only be at a few parts or spread throughout the body. Also, these episodes of pain may come and go. Intermittent normalcy provides these people with some symptom-free time.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread pain, tiredness and stiffness in the muscles. Disturbances in sleep, menstrual cycle irregularities, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome are also the most common. Patients with fibromyalgia also experience “fibro-fog”. It involves difficulty in thinking clearly, along with memory and concentration problems. Fatigue is the main characteristic feature of this disease. Patients report of lack of energy and motivation to do daily tasks and an inability to feel refreshed even after much sleep. Other comorbid diseases that may arise along with fibromyalgia are Obsessive-Compulsive Personality, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Alexithymia.

Abuse, repetitive injuries, and stressful and awful life events predispose a person to fibromyalgia. Abuse is a causal factor of fibromyalgia that leads to stress and consecutively functions as a precipitating factor for developing fibromyalgia. Experiencing trauma is a major causal factor of fibromyalgia. Trauma could include physical or emotional abuse or separation from the primary caregiver in early childhood. Post-traumatic stress disorder can lead to the development of fibromyalgia, as well. Gota et al. (2019) showed that patients with abusive histories were more vulnerable to developing fibromyalgia than others. 

Fibromyalgia has adverse effects on the mental health of patients. 

Experiencing chronic pain leads to the onset of Depression and Anxiety. Lack of peaceful sleep, constant discomfort, and inability to think lead to impairment in adapting to social functioning. Fibromyalgia patients always complain of a lack of energy to engage in physical exercise and the inability to do regular chores. All this makes them feel helpless and more prone to depression. Fibromyalgia is an invisible disease because its symptoms are observable. Many times those suffering from them are blamed for faking their symptoms. People with fibromyalgia feel that they need to justify their thoughts adds to their experience of depression, anxiety and isolation.

Whatever treatment exists for fibromyalgia is highly subjective. A personalised treatment plan works as each patient experiences different symptoms. Treatment can range from acupuncture to massage and psychotherapies. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapies (MBCT) are some types that have shown positive results. Encouraging people with fibromyalgia to engage in physical exercise is also beneficial. Practising meditation and yoga is helpful for not only the psychological symptoms but also the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia.

There is a growing need for creating awareness about fibromyalgia which would also help in finding a cure as there hasn’t been a treatment that can completely cure it. In early times, very little was spoken or shared about this disease. But many celebrities like Lady Gaga and Morgan Freeman talked openly about their struggles with fibromyalgia and set an example for others to share their experiences. 

Dr Nisha Khanna is a Psychologist/ Mental Health Professional who offers online, telephonically and face-to-face Counselling Services. If you are in Delhi, India or any other part of the World, you can approach us through any of these mediums. For further, visit Bye Tense, or call us at +91-9818211474