Flare & Flourish

"Mindful Poetry" In February's gentle, quiet air, take a pause and take care. Breathe in love, let worries go. In your heart, let kindness grow. Each day's a challenge to start anew, with mindful steps, and skies of blue. So be peace, and softly see, the strength in stillness, calm and free. Follow me on twitter for updates  https://x.com/FlareflourishF

  Let’s Talk About It! Fibromyalgia is one of those conditions that sits in a gray area—some recognize it as a disability, while others don’t. But for those of us living with it, there’s no doubt that it can be disabling. The chronic pain, fatigue, and brain fog can make even the simplest daily tasks feel impossible. So, is fibromyalgia a disability? The short answer: It depends! Fibromyalgia & Disability Recognition • In some countries, fibromyalgia is recognized as a disability, meaning you may qualify for disability benefits if your symptoms are severe enough to limit your ability to work. • In other places, it’s considered a chronic illness rather than a disability, making it harder to get support. • The biggest challenge? Since fibromyalgia is invisible and doesn’t show up on traditional medical tests, proving its impact can be difficult. But whether or not fibromyalgia is officially labeled as a disability, it doesn’t make your struggles any less real. Fun Facts About Fib...

  Understanding Its Many Faces Depression is not just sadness. It is not just a bad day, a rough week, or something that disappears with a “positive mindset.” It is an all-consuming, soul-draining monster that seeps into every part of life, making even the simplest tasks feel unbearable. But what most people don’t understand is that depression is not just one thing— it comes in different forms, each with its own unique way of suffocating the mind and body. People love to throw around the word “depressed” when they’re just having a rough day. But for those of us who have lived it—who have been swallowed whole by it—we know better. We know the difference between temporary sadness and the kind of depression that lingers like an unwanted shadow, the kind that steals your identity, crushes your motivation, and makes you question your very existence. Here’s the harsh truth about the different types of depression. If you see yourself in any of these, know that you are not alone—but also k...

                      Helping the Older Generation Understand Fibromyalgia One of the hardest parts of living with fibromyalgia isn’t just the pain, the fatigue, or the unpredictable flares— it’s the lack of understanding, especially from those who come from an older generation. For many of us, our parents, grandparents, and even older family doctors were raised in a time when chronic illnesses were either visible or didn’t exist in their world at all. If you weren’t in a wheelchair, didn’t have a cast, or weren’t bedridden with a high fever, then you weren’t really sick. Fibromyalgia, with its invisible and often misunderstood symptoms, doesn’t fit into the kind of illnesses they were taught to recognize. “Back in My Day, We Just Pushed Through” How many of us have heard this? The belief that pain is just a part of life and should be ignored or “pushed through” is deeply ingrained in older generations. While resilience is admirable...

By Flare & Flourish Living with fibromyalgia can often feel like navigating a storm without a map. Chronic pain, fatigue, and the unpredictable nature of flares can leave you physically and emotionally drained. Beyond the physical symptoms, fibromyalgia often comes with a heavy emotional burden: frustration, sadness, and even feelings of hopelessness. It’s a lot to carry, but you don’t have to face it alone—or without tools to help you through. Let’s talk about overcoming the negative emotions that often accompany fibromyalgia. While the journey isn’t easy, it’s possible to reclaim your emotional well-being and find light even on the darkest days. Understanding the Emotional Toll of Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is more than just a physical condition. The constant battle with pain and fatigue can lead to emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. It’s easy to feel isolated, misunderstood, or even guilty about not being able to do everything you once could. These emotions are valid....

By Flare & Flourish For the men supporting someone with fibromyalgia—be it a partner, sister, daughter, or friend—it can be challenging to understand what she’s going through. But understanding is the first step to building a stronger relationship and offering meaningful support. Here’s a guide to help you navigate fibromyalgia, not as an expert, but as someone who cares. What Is Fibromyalgia? It affects women more frequently than men and can vary greatly in severity from day to day. This isn’t “just stress” or “in her head.” Fibromyalgia is a real medical condition that affects how the brain processes pain signals. While there’s no cure, there are ways to manage it—and your support can make a world of difference. 5 Ways to Support a Loved One with Fibromyalgia 1. Learn About Fibromyalgia The more you know, the better you’ll understand what she’s going through. Educate yourself about the condition, its symptoms, and how it affects daily life. • What to Know:  Fibromyalg...

                                                 Does Fibromyalgia Run in Your Genes? Fibromyalgia is a condition that often feels shrouded in mystery. With its widespread pain, fatigue, and other life-altering symptoms, many people wonder: Could fibromyalgia be inherited? Is it written in my DNA? While researchers are still uncovering the full story, there are some intriguing clues that suggest genetics may play a role in this condition. Let’s explore what we know so far about the genetic connection to fibromyalgia. What Does Science Say About Fibromyalgia and Genetics? Fibromyalgia is not classified as a purely genetic disorder like cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease, but studies suggest that genetics may influence a person’s likelihood of developing the condition. Research shows that fibromyalgia tends to run in families, with relatives of people who have ...

              How Does Fibromyalgia Interact With a Person’s Personality? Fibromyalgia is more than just physical pain; it’s a condition that seeps into every aspect of life, including how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world. It’s often said that chronic illness changes you, and fibromyalgia is no exception. But how does it shape—or sometimes reshape—our personalities? The Emotional Toll of Constant Pain Living with persistent pain and fatigue can naturally affect one’s emotional state. For some, it brings out a tendency toward introspection or even irritability, especially on days when symptoms flare up. People with fibromyalgia may become more cautious or reserved, not because they lack enthusiasm but because they’re protecting their energy. Over time, this can create the impression of a “quieter” personality. On the flip side, some individuals become more empathetic after living with fibromyalg...