How Do You Deal With Stigma? | MyFibroTeam

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How Do You Deal With Stigma?
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭

Iv been dealing with being stigmatized my whole life. From being sick all the time when I was a kid, to having chronic severe migraines in my starting when i was 18 till now, having endometriosis until my hysterectomy five years ago, to being bipolar, and now i was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a little over a year ago. Iv come to expect “normal” people who dont know me nor much about my conditions to stigmatize me. After dealing with it yesterday by a psychatrist i met for the first time, that… read more

posted March 21, 2018
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A MyFibroTeam Member

I just don't rely on those people for validation anymore. In fact, I told one counselor that I pity her because "because she doesn't understand my condition and so she thinks it must not exist." I told her that I felt she was ignorant as I walked right out of her office. Now, if I have to meet anyone new, I call the office and ask if they have experience in our diseases, if they don't I don't even bother. I hear ya hon, I did everything right too and still treated like a crazed animal. I bought books on people dealing with our condition and healing themselves naturally and contacted them for advice. I keep in touch with a few of them still in case I hit a roadblock and need someone to understand as well as this site.

posted March 21, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Oh, hon, I hate that you are dealing with this! I am diagnosed with bipolar as well, although I have learned not to share that information much. The stigma with fibro will hopefully shrink as it becomes more widely discussed. In the meantime, find a new psychiatrist- you don't need that. Hugs and prayers...

posted March 24, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

My life long doctor and the one you saved my life when i need a heart value replaced, plain faced told me it was all in my head fibro is a case all condition off to the psychiatrist for you. This was of my lowerest point. Here I was screaming in pain and fatigue and its all in my head. Other doctors said it was it he way i was breathing. At first i went inwards bottled it up then i was angry finally it started to fight and be open about the condition and tell people who ask as best i can. It allow me to fight the depression angle of fibro. I still get WTF faces of people who ask i am never saw if they think inam for real or OMG you poor think. The people Inwork with all know and are really supportive. I think compared to our customers i nothing to accomadate. Be open up front and live in the now not yesterday and not tomorrow its about been in control of thinks today and not sweeting about the stuff you have no control over. Be strong I know you can.

posted March 21, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Sweetie when it comes to your psychiatrist meeting you are letting out everything you have been keeping inside for so long, so I'm not surprised you cried, don't let anyone attach stigma to you, you are who you are and their lack of acceptance is their problem not yours, I tell my autistic daughter this often,
Just breathe deeply when talking to new drs and just be true to yourself and be bluntly honest & if you not happy with a particular Dr ask for someone else if possible,
You are & have dealt with so much so you are stronger than you give yourself credit for,
Big ((hugs)) xxx

posted March 21, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

My family look at me like I'm crazy when I say I hurting or if I have to have another surgery. I was diagnosed 12 years ago. But what make me the maddest is every one would say your to young you Dont look sick. I have handicap tags and every time I drive my car and park in a handicap spot people always give me dirty looks because they don't realize I fall easy and can't get up and my back and neck are hurting so bad.

posted March 25, 2018

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