It sounds like there's a lot going on at once — and that's actually really common with fibromyalgia. Depression and anxiety are among the most frequently reported experiences by people living with fibromyalgia, with roughly 20% of people with fibromyalgia also having depression or an anxiety disorder.
The connection makes Show Full Answer
It sounds like there's a lot going on at once — and that's actually really common with fibromyalgia. Depression and anxiety are among the most frequently reported experiences by people living with fibromyalgia, with roughly 20% of people with fibromyalgia also having depression or an anxiety disorder.
The connection makes a lot of sense. Living with chronic pain, uncertainty, and the way fibromyalgia can limit daily life can slowly chip away at mental well-being — sometimes without even noticing it's happening.
A MyFibroTeam member described it well: "I have no desire to do things I used to love, to go out, or to get out of bed." The good news is that treating mental health symptoms can actually help improve physical fibromyalgia symptoms too. Some approaches that may help include:
- Medication such as antidepressants (which can also help fibromyalgia pain)
- Talk therapy (psychotherapy)
- Mindfulness and guided meditation
- Light exercise or yoga
- Anti-inflammatory diet
- Connecting with others who truly understand what you're going through
It's really worth bringing up depression, anxiety, and any concentration or focus concerns with your doctor. They can work alongside mental health professionals to help manage both your physical and emotional health together.
August 3
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