Stress and Fibromyalgia

Topic Overview

Many people with fibromyalgia find that stress makes their symptoms worse. Reducing stress, or finding healthy ways to cope with it, may help reduce your pain.

• Identify stressful situations at home and at work that seem to trigger your symptoms. Work on ways to make those situations less stressful or to make them occur less frequently.
• Cancel unnecessary activities that cause stress.
• Set priorities and learn to cope with your physical limitations. If you can't do an activity because of pain, find a less painful way to do it or try a different activity.
• Think about seeing a counselor if you are unable to deal with severe stress or need help finding ways to cope with stressful situations.
• Learn to use stress reduction, biofeedback, visualization, meditation, or relaxation techniques. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or training may be helpful in learning to manage stress.
• Join a fibromyalgia support group.