According to the American Institute of Stress, approximately 77% of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress. 73% of people say they regularly experience psychological symptoms caused by stress. To a “normal” person, this can be somewhat manageable. However, to a person dealing with fibromyalgia, our bodies are always under added, constant stress, so anything additional can be debilitating.
Stress is a major trigger and exacerbator of fibromyalgia. Stress of all kinds is known to increase the risk of fibromyalgia flare-ups. Sometimes a small hiccup in the day can cause a little stress, but you can easily brush it off and move on. Someone dealing with fibro is already constantly dealing with symptoms of stress, and sometimes it’s not as easy to shrug your shoulders on move on (literally and figuratively). Its like Devil on my shoulder.
Between personal problems, work difficulties, and things outside of our control, there are so many different ways that stress can affect us. But for people living with fibromyalgia, research suggests that stress not only makes symptoms worse but also decreases overall quality of life.
Several studies in the review found that not only does fibromyalgia cause high levels of stress, but this stress can, in turn, cause physical and cognitive symptoms to worsen.
Some of the symptoms people report feeling from stress are low energy, headaches, upset stomach, aches, pains, stiff muscles, insomnia, shaky hands and feet. Anyone reading this who suffers from fibromyalgia knows that I just described a normal, routine day. When a fibro sufferer has added stress, the pain goes from a 5 to a 10 and the 4 hours of sleep goes down to 1 or 2. There are also emotional symptoms of stress. Some of these include Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control, difficulty relaxing, low self-esteem, depression, isolation.
For many people living with fibromyalgia, fibromyalgia symptoms and stress go hand in hand. Fibromyalgia symptoms can influence someone’s overall quality of life, which can lead to increased anxiety and stress. In turn, increased stress may lead to a worsening of symptoms.
How Stress Affects Fibromyalgia:
Triggers Symptoms: Major emotional trauma, injury, or infections can start fibromyalgia in genetically predisposed individuals.
Central Amplification: Stress amplifies the central nervous system's response to pain signals, increasing sensitivity (hyperalgesia).
Sympathetic Nervous System: Chronic stress keeps the "fight-or-flight" system (sympathetic nervous system) overactive, leading to persistent pain and other symptoms like anxiety.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Stress affects neurotransmitters, impacting mood, sleep, and pain perception, which are all central to fibromyalgia.
There is also constant worrying, forgetfulness (aka the “fibro fog”), inability to focus, and being pessimistic. Now, for a “normal” person, these symptoms aren’t ideal, but can be manageable for a short period of time. However, for a fibro sufferer these again are everyday symptoms, and sadly, a way of life. Fibromyalgia sufferers are regularly feeling strains of stress, both physically and mentally. This is without added problems at work, school, family, relationships, money etc.
There are many types of medication available to help with the emotional and physical pain of fibromyalgia, and various options to help with sleep, however, there is not a cure. Just as there is no cure in life for stress (if anyone out there knows of one, for fibro or stress, please share!).
Over the years I have trying countless options to try and alleviate and manage my stress as exercise, relaxation techniques, yoga, lifestyle adjustments, food diets and even support. Journaling, puzzles and therapy. While some of these options temporarily provide some relief, I have not found anything long lasting (again, if anyone has suggestions, please share).
A lot of fibromyalgia sufferers struggle when trying to explain to someone what “a day in the life” really feels like. How do you explain an invisible disease to someone? A good way is to ask them the last time they were really stressed. About work, school, finances. A fight with a family member, best friend or significant other. Ask them to recall the physical pains, lack of sleep, racing thoughts. All of that, day after day, is what it feels like to have fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia and stress are deeply linked; managing stress isn't just about feeling better mentally, but directly helps regulate the physical pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia by calming the overactive nervous system. Remember that managing this condition is a highly individualized journey, and what works best for one person may differ from another. By taking control of your stress levels, you can enhance your overall well-being and thrive while living with fibromyalgia.
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