Fibromyalgia and depression

Statistics indicate that at least 80% of people that suffer from fibromyalgia also suffer from depression. How could you not?! The same applies to chronic pain. Any condition that comes along and affects every aspect of your life in an adverse way, is going to have that negative effect. It is interesting looking at the research that studies the effects of depression on brain chemistry. Other research specifically studies the abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous system--the part of the nervous system that determines how one handles stress and emergencies. Web MD points out that these abnormalities may lead to the release of substances that cause more sensitivity to pain.

It is very important in my opinion, to learn as much as possible about the existence of fibromyalgia and depression. This can help you seek appropriate medical treatment from your doctor, and decide the best course of action. This may include the use of antidepressants in order to combat the depression. And your treatment may not.include the use of these drugs.

But by following an appropriate fibromyalgia treatment plan and getting the support of family and friends, you can take control of the situation. You can definitely improve your quality of life.

Depression surpasses sadness and can become a problem that affects your whole life. Our crazy hectic world can exacerbate that! A "pandemic" can certainly exacerbate that!!

I used to be a counselor, so it is hard not to slip on my counselor hat ever so often! Some depression may originate from nature and/or nurture. Nature = genetics. My sweet mother suffered from depression, so I have a predisposition to suffer from that. Nurture is the way you were nurtured or not nurtured, for example. This can have a very negative impact, if one is mistreated as a child. But of course it all depends on each individual, and their emotional and physical makeup.

The stress from fibro pain and fatigue can cause anxiety and social isolation. It is a ridiculous vicious cycle!!! The chronic deep muscle and tender point pain can result in less activity. A person may act more withdrawn which can make depression worse. It may become known that anxiety and depression are part of fibro, just like the pain!

It is so important to understand your own reactions and behaviors to depression and anxiety. For me, I know that isolation and lack of sunlight can worsen a depressed mood. What are your triggers? It is so important to try and understand ourselves better so that we can communicate this to our physicians, therapists, and so forth.