The phrase “fibromyalgia is the disease of unexpressed emotions” is widely shared online, but it is not a medical definition of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a real chronic condition involving widespread pain and increased sensitivity to pain. It can also cause fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating and other symptoms. Scientists still don’t fully understand exactly what causes it. CDC
🧠 CAN EMOTIONS AND STRESS PLAY A ROLE?
Yes—but this needs to be explained carefully.
Stressful or traumatic events can be associated with the onset or worsening of symptoms in some people. People with fibromyalgia also have higher rates of anxiety and depression, and long-term stress can worsen many health problems. CDC
But this doesn’t mean that fibromyalgia is caused by “repressed emotions.”
A person with fibromyalgia isn’t sick because they failed to express their feelings.
🩻 WHAT HAPPENS IN FIBROMYALGIA?
Research suggests that people with fibromyalgia can process pain differently, with increased sensitivity in the nervous system and altered pain-signaling pathways.
The condition can involve:
- 🩹 Widespread body pain
- 😴 Sleep problems
- 😩 Persistent fatigue
- 🧠 Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- 💪 Muscle and joint stiffness
- 🤕 Headaches
- ⚡ Tingling or numbness
- 🍽️ Digestive problems in some people
- 😟 Anxiety or depression CDC
🔟 COMMON EXPERIENCES PEOPLE WITH FIBROMYALGIA MAY NOTICE
1️⃣ Widespread pain
Pain can affect multiple areas of the body and may feel aching, burning or throbbing.
2️⃣ Extreme fatigue
Even after sleeping, a person may still feel exhausted.
3️⃣ Poor-quality sleep
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking feeling refreshed is common.
4️⃣ “Fibro fog”
Some people experience problems with concentration, memory and thinking clearly.
5️⃣ Increased sensitivity
Normal touch, temperature, light or sounds can sometimes feel unusually uncomfortable.
6️⃣ Stiffness
Muscles and joints may feel stiff, particularly after periods of inactivity.
7️⃣ Headaches
Headaches and migraines can occur alongside fibromyalgia.
8️⃣ Tingling or numbness
Some people experience unusual sensations in their hands or feet.
9️⃣ Digestive symptoms
Bloating, abdominal discomfort, constipation or irritable bowel symptoms can occur.
🔟 Emotional distress
Anxiety, depression and emotional distress can accompany fibromyalgia—but these symptoms do not mean the physical pain is imaginary. CDC
🩺 HOW IS FIBROMYALGIA DIAGNOSED?
There isn’t one blood test, scan or laboratory test that proves someone has fibromyalgia.
Doctors generally consider the person’s medical history, symptoms and physical examination, while using tests when appropriate to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. NIAMS
That’s important because widespread pain and fatigue can have many different causes.
🌿 CAN FIBROMYALGIA BE MANAGED?
There is currently no cure, but symptoms can be managed.
Treatment may include:
🚶 Regular, gradual physical activity
🧘 Movement therapies such as yoga or tai chi
🧠 Cognitive behavioral therapy
💊 Appropriate medications
😴 Improving sleep habits
🌿 Stress-management strategies
👨⚕️ Working with healthcare professionals when necessary CDC
Exercise is particularly important, but people should generally start at a level they can tolerate and increase gradually rather than pushing through severe symptoms. NIAMS
❤️ THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Fibromyalgia is not simply a result of negative thinking, emotional weakness or “unexpressed emotions.”
Stress and emotional health can influence symptoms, but fibromyalgia is a complex medical condition involving pain processing, physical symptoms and multiple contributing factors.
People living with fibromyalgia deserve to have their pain taken seriously.
Do you know someone living with fibromyalgia? What has helped them manage their symptoms? 💜
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