The Importance of Family & Support
Fibromyalgia affects every part of your life—and the lives of those around you. Dealing with the symptoms and resulting life changes of having fibromyalgia can be overwhelming for everyone in your life, and it can seem all too easy to give up.
However, staying involved with social activities, thinking more positively, improving communication among friends and family, and other strategies for managing the social aspects of having fibromyalgia may help decrease pain and improve your overall mood.
Tips on Family & Support
"I find that a lot of people don't understand what you go through..."
"When I visit my doctor, I also take my husband or my sister along with me..."
"I run a support group, and the greatest thing about being a support group leader is that you're also a member of that group..."
"It's really important to continually educate your family and friends until they get it..."
"One of my favorite ways to explain fibromyalgia to people is to ask them to put a clothespin on a finger and see how long they can hold it there..."
"If people are close to you, they're going to understand that there are good days and there are bad days..."
"When I get a conversation going with someone, it helps get my mind off of my fibromyalgia..."
"A support group is a place where you can share your story - what I call 'blowing the pain out of your system' ..."
"The biggest thing I always get is, 'Well, you sure don't look sick'..."
"My husband was a big support. He would take me for short walks, and he'd just keep pushing me..."
What helps you manage fibromyalgia?
Share your own tips for overcoming the daily challenges of fibromyalgia.
