Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that appears as severe fatigue and joint pain as well as tender spots on the body that are sensitive to the touch. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that of the 2 percent of fibromyalgia patients in the United States, most are women. Fibromyalgia often is triggered by stress and physical or emotional trauma. Once diagnosed, researchers at the Mayo Clinic report that sufferers experience repeated bouts of symptoms when they experience the same stress levels.
Step 1
Contact a counselor experienced in treating fibromyalgia. Mayo Clinic doctors say patients in counseling can strengthen their belief that they can overcome the effects of fibromyalgia while learning new ways to cope with stress triggers and painful spells. Many counselors offer an emergency hotline or referral service for stressful times.
Step 2
Get into position or go to the room where you practice the relaxation techniques that you have spent time learning since you were diagnosed. Put on the tapes, CDs or DVDs that guide you through the various practices. While deep breathing, meditation and yoga can help prevent stress, they also are designed to get rid of stress during a fibromyalgia spell.
Step 3
Visit your massage therapist for a massage. Mayo Clinic doctors report that massage therapy can help to reduce heart rate, decrease pain and relieve anxiety and stress.
Step 4
Visit a chat room designed specifically for fibromyalgia sufferers, such as the forum hosted by the National Fibromyalgia Association, so you can share your stress with others who understand your immediate needs and concerns. While others who do not have the same condition may disregard your disease, those who have the illness often can provide the appropriate support to get through a bad episode.
Step 5
Keep a list of those things that cause you the most stress and try to avoid them if you can. Prepare for known stressors you cannot avoid by making sure you get enough sleep, have a clear line of support ready or change your attitude about it. Doctors at the National Pain Foundation report that when patients consider that their reactions to stressors are what cause the spells, they can take measures to change the outcome of the event.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep a sense of humor about yourself and your disease. Laughter often can work to calm yourself down and shorten the spell that is causing you pain.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. Stress can take an even greater toll on your body when it is lacking the proper nutrition and joints become stiff from inactivity.
Things You'll Need
- Counselor
- Relaxation tapes
- Massage
- Chat room
- List of stressors
