I wish I had been warned of the hit my mental health was about to take when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
For years I denied that I was depressed. I was blind to how living with fibromyalgia triggered my anxiety, anger, and jealousy.
*Disclosure: I am NOT a medical professional and am NOT issuing medical advice. Everything stated is my own experience and personal opinions. This post includes affiliate links. Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a commission when you make a purchase through my links.
Mental Health and Fibromyalgia
All those years of denial came to a head when I felt that death was my only option to rid myself of this disease. That is when I realized how depressed I really was, how pain fueled my anxiety, how angry I was about living with fibromyalgia, and that even though I was happy for my friends and family, I was jealous because I wanted to live without daily pain.
As much as it hurts, if someone lovingly shares with you that they fear you are depressed. don’t lash out at them. Take a step back and be honest with yourself. Unless you can say without a doubt that you’re not experiencing any depression, please seek help. If you find yourself using pain to blame for depression, anger, or any other negative emotion, please seek help.
Don’t listen to those who say that depression is the cause of fibromyalgia. It isn’t! But fibromyalgia will cause and/or increase depression.
Expect Feelings of:
- Inadequacy
- Frustration
- Anger
- Jealousy
- Resenting those who don’t live with non-stop pain.
Caring for Your Mental Health
I cannot stress enough how important caring for your mental health is.
The cost of not caring for your mental health goes beyond your own emotional state, it may also cost your relationships with friends and family.
Five Ways to Reduce Fibromyalgia Pain
I also know how hard it is to afford a therapist when living with a chronic illness. With that said, there are free options available. Check with your city/county/state to see what resources they offer. Ask your church if they offer counseling services.
In addition to cost, physical pain often prevents us from seeking therapy. One option that costs less than most insurance-covered services is Online-Therapy.com. They offer therapy when and where you need it allowing you to get the help you need without increasing your pain. My readers save 20% when they register through my link, click here to learn more about their services.
The Rest of the Story
The cost of living with fibromyalgia goes beyond finances. Nothing I read at the time of my diagnosis could have prepared me for the high cost of living with fibromyalgia. That is why I wrote this article. Scroll down to see what you should prepare for.
Click below to read the rest of the series