Managing the physical symptoms of anxiety when you have fibromyalgia can feel overwhelming, but there are several approaches that many people find helpful. Here's a breakdown of what's commonly recommended:
Mind-Body Practices
- Deep breathing exercises (slow inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth)
- Meditation Show Full Answer
Managing the physical symptoms of anxiety when you have fibromyalgia can feel overwhelming, but there are several approaches that many people find helpful. Here's a breakdown of what's commonly recommended:
Mind-Body Practices
- Deep breathing exercises (slow inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth)
- Meditation and mindfulness — apps like Headspace or Calm can be great starting points
- Guided imagery or visualization
- Yoga or tai chi, which combine gentle movement with relaxation
Therapy Options
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recommended for managing anxiety alongside fibromyalgia
- Biofeedback can also help you become more aware of how your body responds to stress
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is another structured approach worth exploring Lifestyle Adjustments
- Identifying your stressors and setting firm personal boundaries
- Reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco, which can worsen symptoms
- Keeping your environment calm, dark, and quiet during rest periods
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Medications
For medication options specifically, it's really worth having an open conversation with your doctor or rheumatologist — they can tailor recommendations to your full picture.
One MyFibroTeam member shared that once they consciously let go of certain burdens, they were better able to focus on managing their fibromyalgia — sometimes the mental shift is just as powerful as any treatment.
August 9