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  • Has fibromyalgia affected your mental health? Or vice versa?
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Living with fibromyalgia

Has fibromyalgia affected your mental health? Or vice versa?

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avatar Courtney_J

Courtney_J

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Edited on 16/04/2024 at 18:11

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avatar Courtney_J

Courtney_J

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Last activity on 13/10/2022 at 16:47

Joined in 2020


1,279 comments posted | 32 in the Living with fibromyalgia group

11 of their responses were helpful to members


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Hello everyone,

How are you today? With our recent article, "How does fibromyalgia affect mental health?", I thought I would open this new discussion.

Dealing with the varied and intense symptoms of fibromyalgia (chronic pain, severe fatigue, migraines, sleep disorders...) can take a toll on patients, both on their physical and mental health.

What about you? Has your fibromyalgia affected your mental health? If so, in what way? Or have you noticed the reverse - has your mental health (anxiety, depression, stress) had an influence on your fibromyalgia? How do you cope in either situation? 

Don't hesitate to share with us here!

Take care,
Courtney

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avatar Maryquitecontrary

Maryquitecontrary

18/04/2022 at 12:43

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avatar Maryquitecontrary

Maryquitecontrary

Last activity on 27/11/2022 at 09:59

Joined in 2021


16 comments posted | 6 in the Living with fibromyalgia group

3 of their responses were helpful to members


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Hi all. I have had a few major depressive instances in my life so it’s not new to me. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia almost two years ago following which I became very depressed, mainly because I’ve been told by my counsellor that I’m mourning the former fit and agile, outgoing me. Also as a result of lockdowns I’m a bit agoraphobic, anxious, and don’t go out much. Unfortunately I was also diagnosed with breast cancer in October last year so after surgery & radiotherapy - pain, stiffness and my other fibro symptoms have worsened. This could possibly be because I’m taking hormone therapy in tablet form for five years (to stop production of oestrogen as my tumours were oestrogen & progesterone positive). The therapy strips the body of oestrogen so I’m having menopausal symptoms all over again. (Thought I’d finished with that 10 years ago!)

So at 63 (retired at 58) the fit, active, outgoing and happy person I was has left the building and in her place I have a much less mobile, overweight and depressed me! Antidepressants, nerve pain meds and pain relief make life just about bearable. So I would say that yes, fibro - but also getting cancer on top - has made me depressed.

But I’m taking one day at a time now and trying to appreciate that I’m still here - and the cancer could have been so much worse.

See the signature

Mary x


Has fibromyalgia affected your mental health? Or vice versa? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-fibromyalgia/has-fibromyalgia-affected-your-mental-health-or-vice-versa-4557 2022-04-18 12:43:15

avatar MariaB

MariaB

15/05/2022 at 18:06

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avatar MariaB

MariaB

Last activity on 14/02/2024 at 13:17

Joined in 2020


25 comments posted | 19 in the Living with fibromyalgia group

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hi @Courtney_J , I think it has taken a toll on all of us. With the lockdowns that have been on and off since covid, as @Maryquitecontrary said, it just added to our anxiety and feeling of loneliness. I really don't know how I managed to get out of my depression. But then again, I "only" have fibro..


Has fibromyalgia affected your mental health? Or vice versa? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-fibromyalgia/has-fibromyalgia-affected-your-mental-health-or-vice-versa-4557 2022-05-15 18:06:49

avatar Maryquitecontrary

Maryquitecontrary

16/05/2022 at 10:06

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avatar Maryquitecontrary

Maryquitecontrary

Last activity on 27/11/2022 at 09:59

Joined in 2021


16 comments posted | 6 in the Living with fibromyalgia group

3 of their responses were helpful to members


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@MariaB having fibro is enough. It can ruin your life and is the main cause of my problems. It steals away your zest for life having to deal with daily pain. Strangely enough I dealt with the cancer diagnosis a lot easier. It was a relief to get a fibro diagnosis after all the strange symptoms and pain. Coming to terms with knowing you have fibro is horrendous and accepting it’s forever is definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done. We are sometimes referred to as “fibro warriors” and that sums it up. We have to find a lot of courage to face up to what we have and it’s not surprising that it affects our mental health. Take care. Xx

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Mary x


Has fibromyalgia affected your mental health? Or vice versa? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-fibromyalgia/has-fibromyalgia-affected-your-mental-health-or-vice-versa-4557 2022-05-16 10:06:31

avatar Somya.P

Somya.P

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Edited on 16/04/2024 at 18:14

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avatar Somya.P

Somya.P

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Last activity on 20/05/2025 at 18:46

Joined in 2023


618 comments posted | 17 in the Living with fibromyalgia group

47 of their responses were helpful to members


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Hello everyone,

How are you today? 😊

Living with the many challenging symptoms associated with fibromyalgia—such as chronic pain, debilitating fatigue, migraines, and sleep disturbances—can have significant implications for both physical and mental health. I'm curious about your experiences.

@Janen28 @Shoo55 @Bunsan @lala170570 @Josiejo144 @Nazmaatcha @Catirvine78 @Charlton97 @steve101x @Gigi15 @LouLou1971 @Michelle75 @Dukesave @Diamondartcrazy @Flossfrack @Alim244 @Parranquet @Nuls22 @ziggy7678 @Sam4095 @MellyFlay @Un(lucky)ducky @Allymal @Jhiggy64 @Liverpoolsm1 @nikinoodles @PyroLind @Tufnellpark @Sweetsista4u @ChristinaB82 @Nanakt @55westo @Pete1966 @angelaconnor1 @Debbiet @Ombliss22 @Laura84 @lisa.staley @Kate44 @HelenHarper @Sammimo @jinksy @Katyloubee82 @Margy60 @KymPaterson @Mandymoo5467 @Maryquitecontrary @GILL18 @Foxxxxy @Kezza3511 @Craftyjourney2 @Janineholland @Pebbles113 @MrsMelSerag78 @Mckkirby @Sue1912 @Darren77 @Torrypink @Lauren06 @Khanie @Tiger1924 @Chloe85 @Grisdale @Rwthi1

Has fibromyalgia affected your mental well-being? If so, how? Or, have you found that your mental health, including anxiety, depression, or stress, has influenced your experience with fibromyalgia? How do you manage in either scenario?

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us here!

Stay well,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

See the signature

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼


Has fibromyalgia affected your mental health? Or vice versa? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-fibromyalgia/has-fibromyalgia-affected-your-mental-health-or-vice-versa-4557 2024-04-16 18:13:30

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