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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I'm 28years old and have had fibro for a decade now. And i have lost all of the friends I had when I was first diagnosed. I find i have a difficult time relating to people and building relationships. I'm not sure anymore if its just me... but I feel utterly alone, and it is making me more depressed and lonely. Does anyone else feel this way? That they are not the same person, or people do not view you as the same person anymore? How do you cope with these feelings?

September 22, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members deeply resonated with the feeling of becoming a different person after fibromyalgia diagnosis, with many describing the need to grieve... Read more

Members deeply resonated with the feeling of becoming a different person after fibromyalgia diagnosis, with many describing the need to grieve their former selves before accepting and reinventing who they are now. Several members shared practical coping strategies, including therapy or counseling, joining fibromyalgia support groups, finding joy in small things like coloring or music, gentle exercises like yoga, and connecting with even one trusted person who understands. A recurring theme was the profound loneliness and isolation that comes with losing friends who cannot grasp the daily reality of chronic pain, balanced by encouragement to practice self-compassion, focus on what is still possible, and trust that life can still hold meaning and connection despite the limitations.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I had to mourn the person I used to be and reinvent the new me. It takes time but the alternatives are not an option.
Love yourself. The new you can be awesome!❤️
xxxx

September 22, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

First of all, I want to say that I am sorry that u are so young suffering with this illness. I don't think we can truly be the same as before because we're not.
We are something new, something different, somebody different.
We need to find what our new normal is.
Pain is never fun, it's exhausting.
What I would say to you, is to find whatever joy you can in your life.
If u still want to be social, try to reach out to one person.
Sending many hugs to u.
We are all here for u.

September 22, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I can relate to that but I also think we have to be careful that we don't assume we actually know how other people see us. I say, take me as you see me, I'm happy with who I am , I do my best.

September 23, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I agree.
I think u do have to grieve & then say ok
What's next.

September 22, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

This is absolutely something I struggle with. Especially now that I'm separated from my ex-husband I'm looking to start dating, and I realize that I have no idea who I am. Been a lot of crying about it, and it's hard opening up to people about it because they just don't realize what it's like losing yourself to an illness.

October 24, 2017

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