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Living with Fibromyalgia and Mental Health: A Daily Struggle

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Living with fibromyalgia and mental health challenges feels like an ongoing battle. It’s as though I’ve lost the person I used to be, looking in the mirror and not recognizing myself anymore. The constant, unrelenting pain has a way of stripping away the familiar parts of you. It doesn’t get easier—each day brings its own hurdles—but somehow, you learn to live with the daily struggles. You adjust, you adapt, and you push forward, even when it feels impossible. And just when you think you’ve managed to carry the weight of your body’s betrayal, your mental health takes over. It sneaks in quietly but lands so heavily. The sadness, the frustration, the feelings of inadequacy—they all take their toll. Yet, here I am, sharing this with you. Because even in this struggle, I’ve found strength—not always the kind you see, but the kind that keeps you going. And I hope, by sharing my story, someone out there feels a little less alone. We’re in this together. Follow me on twitter for updates  ...
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Fibromyalgia Awareness Is Still Lacking

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                                                      Why We Need to Keep Talking Despite affecting millions of people worldwide, fibromyalgia remains one of the most misunderstood and overlooked chronic illnesses. Many of us struggle for years to get a diagnosis, only to be met with skepticism, dismissal, or even gaslighting from doctors, family, and friends. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and isolating—but it’s also why raising awareness is so important. If we don’t speak up, who will? At  Flare & Flourish , I share my journey with fibromyalgia not just to vent, but to help others feel less alone and to push for the understanding we all deserve. Today, I want to talk about why fibromyalgia awareness is still lacking and what we can do to change that. The Struggle for a Diagnosis One of the biggest challenges fibromyalgia patients face is gettin...
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Common Myths About Fibromyalgia

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                                                          (And the Truth Behind Them )   Fibromyalgia is one of the most misunderstood conditions out there. If you live with it, you’ve probably heard comments like, “But you don’t look sick!” or “It’s all in your head.” These words can be frustrating and isolating, especially when you’re already fighting a daily battle with pain, fatigue, and brain fog. Today, I want to break down some of the most common myths about fibromyalgia and share the truth—because understanding is the first step to support and awareness. Myth #1: “Fibromyalgia Isn’t Real” The Truth: Fibromyalgia is a medically recognized chronic illness that affects the nervous system and how the brain processes pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) and major health organizations like the CDC and Mayo Clinic all acknowledge fi...
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March Forward With Hope And Optimism.

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  Each new day brings the opportunity to grow, to heal, and to embrace the beauty of becoming. In March, winds begin to sing, A quiet song of gentle autumn. With whispers warm the winter's cold. The days stretch long, the skies grow bright. Embracing change, soft as the light. In every bloom and every leaf, March brings us hope, a sweet relief. https://x.com/FlareflourishF
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The Different Types of Fibromyalgia

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                                              Understanding What We’re Dealing With When people hear “fibromyalgia,” they often assume it’s just one condition with the same symptoms for everyone. But if you’ve been living with it, you’ll know that’s far from the truth. There are actually different types of fibromyalgia, and understanding which one you have can help you manage it better. I’ve spent years trying to figure out my own symptoms, and along the way, I’ve learned that fibro isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people struggle more with pain, while others deal with extreme fatigue, cognitive issues, or a mix of everything (lucky us, right?). 1. Hyperalgesic Fibromyalgia (Pain-Dominant) This is the type where pain takes center stage. Every touch, every movement, and sometimes even the weight of a blanket can feel unbearable. People with this type tend to experience wid...
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When Sleep Won't Come.

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                                                        My Late-Night Survival Guide Fibromyalgia and sleep don’t exactly go hand in hand. Some nights, no matter how exhausted I am, my body refuses to shut down. Other times, I take my prescribed sleeping pills, only to find myself lying there—wide awake, waiting for sleep that never comes. If you know, you know. So, what do I do when sleep decides to ghost me? Here’s my go-to list for surviving those endless nights: 1. Scroll (but with limits) Let’s be real—sometimes, I end up doom-scrolling. But I try to stick to things that won’t overstimulate me, like funny videos, soothing music, or catching up on messages. If you’re ever up at stupid o’clock, feel free to say hi on  Twitter/X  (or whatever they’re calling it these days). 2. Writing It Out My brain loves to overthink at night. If I ca...
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How I Cope With Anxiety & PTSD While Managing Fibromyalgia

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How to Cope with Anxiety & PTSD While Managing Fibromyalgia I still remember the day I realised my body wasn’t just tired—it was always tired. Not the kind of tired that goes away after a nap, but the kind that settles into your bones and refuses to leave. At first, I thought it was just exhaustion, but then the pain came. And then the anxiety. Anxiety and fibromyalgia go hand in hand, like two uninvited guests who overstay their welcome. Add PTSD into the mix, and suddenly, every day feels like a battlefield—except the enemy is invisible, and no one else seems to notice the war going on inside you. I’ve always been an overthinker, but fibromyalgia turned my anxiety into something louder. The brain fog made me second-guess myself constantly. Did I already take my meds? Did I forget an important appointment? Did I just say something weird in that conversation? Simple things that shouldn’t be stressful suddenly became overwhelming. And then there’s PTSD. Triggers can be unpredictable...
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Doctor's Appointments.

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  How to Advocate for Yourself in the Medical System When You Have  Fibromyalgia. Navigating the healthcare system with fibromyalgia can be frustrating, especially when doctors dismiss symptoms or fail to offer helpful treatment plans. Advocacy is essential to getting the care you deserve. Here’s how you can effectively advocate for yourself: 1. Educate Yourself on Fibromyalgia Understanding your condition empowers you to have informed discussions with healthcare professionals. Learn about: • Common symptoms (pain, fatigue, fibro fog) • Possible triggers (stress, diet, weather) • Treatment options (medications, lifestyle changes, alternative therapies) Tip: Bring research or articles from reputable sources to support your discussions with doctors. 2. Keep a Symptom & Pain Journal Doctors rely on patterns to make decisions, so tracking your symptoms is crucial. In your journal, note: • Pain levels (rate on a scale from 1-10) • Fatigue levels • What you ate (for possible die...
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