Fibromyalgia
A illness called fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain along with problems with sleep, memory, and mood. According to researchers, fibromyalgia alters how your brain and spinal cord receive painful and nonpainful impulses, amplifying painful sensations.
After an incident such as a physical injury, surgery, infection, or intense psychological stress, symptoms frequently start to appear. In other situations, symptoms develop gradually over time without a particular cause.
Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. Numerous patients with fibromyalgia also experience tension headaches, TMJ issues, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression. Receiving virtual mental health services can help with these issues.
Although there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, a number of drugs can help manage symptoms. Exercise, rest, and stress-reduction techniques may also be beneficial.
Mental health impact
Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue, can have negative effects on both mental and physical health. Those with fibromyalgia are three times more likely to experience depression than those without the condition, though the exact relationship between the two is unclear. It is unknown whether depression is a natural component of fibromyalgia, is triggered by the condition, or is somehow linked to an increased likelihood of fibromyalgia.
In addition to depression, fibromyalgia can also lead to anxiety and difficulty engaging in daily activities due to the endurance of painful symptoms. Physical therapy, specifically fibromyalgia physical therapy, can be an effective treatment for managing the physical symptoms of the condition. Through a combination of exercises, stretches, and other techniques, Physical Rehabilitation therapy can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall physical functioning. This can, in turn, positively impact mental health by promoting a greater sense of well-being and reducing stress and anxiety.
- Relationship difficulties
- Interpersonal communication issues both at work and elsewhere
- Low confidence and self-esteem
- Socializing is challenging
In addition to anxiety and sadness, fibromyalgia patients are more likely to experience additional mental health problems, such as:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
And to make matters worse, emotional stress can frequently cause or exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle that makes therapy difficult.
Recognizing and treating all of the fibromyalgia's symptoms, both physical and emotional, is essential to managing the condition. A Florida-licensed mental health counselor can treat fibromyalgia utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, paying attention to both the physical and emotional health issues in addition to the disease's bodily manifestations. Every treatment program is individualized and patient-centered for the best outcomes and long-term management success.
Treatment Plan for Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Although fibromyalgia is well known for the physical symptoms it causes, you should also consider the impact it has on your mental health. Designing a treatment plan is essential if you want to manage all of your fibromyalgia symptoms while also improving your health and quality of life.
Treatments for fibromyalgia typically combine medicine with self-care techniques. The focus is on reducing symptoms and enhancing overall health. While there isn't a single cure for all symptoms, using a number of approaches can help in the long run. New Era Therapy offers a Florida mental health counselor to help you manage the emtional toll that fibromyalgia has on the mind and body.
Medications
Medications can help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia and improve sleep. Common choices include:
- Pain relievers. Opioid medications are not recommended, because they can lead to significant side effects and dependence and will worsen the pain over time.
- Antidepressants.
- Anti-seizure drugs. Medications designed to treat epilepsy are often useful in reducing certain types of pain.
Therapies
A variety of different therapies can help reduce the effect that fibromyalgia has on your body and your life. Examples include:
- Physical Therapy: You can learn exercises from a physical therapist to increase your strength, flexibility, and endurance. Exercises performed in the water may be especially beneficial.
- Occupational Therapy: You can reduce the stress on your body by changing your workspace or how you carry out specific jobs with the aid of an occupational therapist.
- Counseling: Speaking with a counselor can boost your self-confidence and offer you coping mechanisms for difficult circumstances. Even when you feel too poorly to travel, you can meet with a Florida virtual psychotherapist to help you cope.