Today is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. As a few of you know, I live with this condition. It’s an invisible illness that affects millions of people, bringing chronic pain, fatigue, brain fog, and a host of other challenges.
Living with fibromyalgia has been a journey of ups and downs. Some days are manageable, others are incredibly tough. But through it all, I’ve learned the importance of self-compassion, pacing, and the value of support from friends, family, and others who understand.
I’m sharing this to raise awareness, to break the silence around chronic pain, and to remind anyone else struggling: you’re not alone💜
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (fibro) is a chronic condition causing widespread pain throughout the body. It’s thought to be caused by an abnormal response in the brain and nervous system, making the body overreact to pain signals. The symptoms vary, but common ones include:
Full-body pain
Chronic fatigue
Brain fog
IBS
Sleep disturbances
Fibromyalgia affects 1 in 20 women worldwide, but it can also affect men and younger people. While there’s no cure, the condition can be managed with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
What causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause is unclear, but some factors that may contribute to fibromyalgia include:
Emotional or physical trauma
Long-term stress or anxiety
Infections or surgery
Hormonal changes
It’s believed that these factors trigger an abnormal pain response in the brain.
The link between Fibromyalgia, Anxiety & Depression
Fibromyalgia is deeply connected to mental health. Many people with fibromyalgia also experience anxiety or depression, partly due to chronic pain and the limits it places on life. I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder as a teenager, and my anxiety often worsens the pain.
This connection between physical and emotional health is key to understanding the full impact of the condition. Managing anxiety and depression can help ease fibromyalgia symptoms and improve quality of life.
What is a Fibro Flare-Up?
A fibro flare-up is when symptoms suddenly intensify, often triggered by stress, illness, or weather changes. Flare-ups can last for days or weeks and may include:
Increased pain
Fatigue
Brain fog
Emotional overwhelm
During a flare, even simple tasks can feel impossible. It’s important to listen to your body and rest during these times to avoid further strain.
The stigma around Fibromyalgia
A big challenge with fibromyalgia is the lack of belief around it. Even some doctors still doubt its existence, often dismissing symptoms as “just anxiety” or “in your head.” I’ve even heard harsh comments like:
“You’re making it up.”
“Being on medication will ruin your life.”
These comments can be incredibly isolating, making it harder to advocate for your health. Fibromyalgia is real, even though it’s invisible. We deserve support and understanding, not judgment.
My experience living with Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is tough. I’ve always been an anxious person, diagnosed with anxiety as a teen. Over time, I started experiencing chronic chest pain, IBS, and widespread pain that left me bedridden, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It wasn’t until a family friend suggested fibromyalgia that things started to make sense. After being misdiagnosed multiple times, I was finally diagnosed by a private rheumatologist at 17. It was a huge relief, but also a harsh reality - fibromyalgia is a lifelong condition.
Over the years, I’ve had to make major adjustments to my life, including leaving university after a severe flare-up that left me unable to walk or read. Through it all, the support of my family and friends has been invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful to them.
Spoon Theory: Managing Energy
Spoon Theory is a way to understand chronic illness and energy management. It compares energy to spoons, where each task you do costs a spoon. Healthy people may have an unlimited supply of spoons, but people with fibromyalgia have a limited number each day. Once they’re gone, it’s hard to do anything else.
Understanding and managing spoons helps me set realistic expectations and conserve energy for the most important tasks. Planning rest, adjusting expectations, and prioritising is crucial. Asking someone, “How are your spoons today?” can go a long way in showing empathy.
What helps me
Here’s what I’ve found helpful in managing fibromyalgia:
Medication
Medications have been essential for managing my pain and symptoms. They work differently for everyone, so it’s important to work closely with a healthcare professional to find what works best for you.
Therapy
Regular therapy sessions, especially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and self-compassion practices, have made a significant difference. My current therapist has helped me understand the connection between anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia symptoms. Mental health support is a crucial part of managing this condition.
Movement and yoga
Gentle movement, particularly yoga, has been one of the most helpful tools for me. On days when I have more energy, I practice a more dynamic yoga flow. On days when I feel more fatigued, I focus on restorative yoga and breathing exercises. Even simple stretching helps reduce stiffness and pain.
Meditation
Meditation calms my nervous system and lowers stress levels, which helps ease many of my symptoms. A few minutes of focused breathing each day can make a big difference in how I feel.
Massage
Massage therapy helps relieve muscle tension and encourages relaxation. It’s not always comfortable during a flare-up, so I always listen to my body and go when I feel it's appropriate.
Here’s a link to Jo, the massage therapist I see in Buckhurst Hill. She offers a range of female-only massages and reflexology treatments, and I couldn’t recommend her enough:
Scheduled rest
Rest is now something I plan into my routine instead of something I do only when I’m completely exhausted. I schedule time each day to slow down and recharge. I’ve even started planning what I call “Eloise Days”, once a week, time just for me to rest, reset, and protect my energy.
One of the most helpful things my therapist once said was:
“Being busy doing nothing is being busy.”
That completely changed how I view rest. It’s not a luxury; it’s necessary.
Supportive people
Surrounding myself with people who uplift me has been incredibly healing. Letting go of relationships that no longer support my well-being has opened up space for more meaningful and supportive connections.
Recently, I made a wonderful new friend who also lives with fibromyalgia. Our friendship has been so positive and supportive. We understand each other’s challenges, and it feels empowering to have someone who truly gets it. I’m proud of both of us for learning how to care for ourselves.
How you can support someone with Fibromyalgia
Here are some ways you can support a loved one with fibromyalgia:
Believe them. Their pain is real, even if it’s invisible.
Listen with compassion. Don’t try to fix it - just offer understanding.
Be patient. Symptoms can be unpredictable and exhausting.
Check in regularly. A simple message or call means a lot.
Respect their boundaries. They may need to cancel plans or take things slow.
Final thoughts
Living with fibromyalgia isn’t easy, it’s unpredictable, exhausting, and often invisible to others. But by speaking up, we can help shift the narrative. We can create more understanding, more compassion, and more support for those living with chronic pain.
If you’re living with fibromyalgia, please know that your experience is valid. You’re doing an incredible job, even when it doesn’t feel like it. And if you know someone with fibro, your belief, patience, and kindness mean more than you might realise.
Today, and every day, let’s keep raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and standing together💜
I’d really appreciate it if you could share this blog to help raise awareness about fibromyalgia and its impact.
Here's the link to the NHS website for more information on Fibromyalgia:
How do you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms? I’d love to hear about what’s worked for you in the comments!
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Eloise x
