Fibromyalgia is a painful disorder, and sometimes the pain can be so unbearable, it's easy for sufferers to feel helpless and distressed. And you're not alone. The National Institute of Health estimates that 5 million American adults suffer from the disorder, 80 to 90 percent of which are women.
Dealing with the pain day in and day out, it's hard to keep your mind off of your fibromyalgia, but there are ways you can cope with the disease. The Mayo Clinic offers some beneficial tips that can help you feel better, even on your worst days.
One helpful tip is to stay positive:
Studies have shown that what we say to ourselves inside our heads can affect our perception of pain. Turning negative thoughts into positive ones takes practice but is worth the effort.
For example, instead of thinking I can't do anything because of my symptoms, the Mayo Clinic suggests thinking I can do many things. I just need to pace myself and take breaks.
Another great tip from the Mayo Clinic is to talk to someone about the pain you feel:
You might be tempted to keep it to yourself, but resist that urge. While some alone time is a good way to relax, isolating yourself for days can end up making you feel lonely. Tell an understanding friend or family member that you're feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. But don't dwell on your signs and symptoms.
In-person or online support groups can link you to people who are also dealing with fibromyalgia. In addition to the comfort of talking with people who are facing the same types of challenges, members often share coping techniques that might work for you, too.
See more coping tips from the Mayo Clinic.
