Fibromyalgia from a patient’s perspective is probably one of the hardest syndromes to navigate. Not only for patients but also for doctors. What was once thought to be a dysfunction of the peripheral muscoskeletal system has now become an obvious disorder of the entire muscoskeletal and peripheral nervous system. This leads to chronic widespread pain, and dysregulation of many different systems, including emotional regulation in turn amplifying pain perception.

_{“Fibromyalgia was originally thought to be a peripheral muscle disorder; however, recent studies have shown the presence of central pain susceptibility. Fibromyalgia patients have more reactions to pain compared to normal individuals, as in they have a lower pain threshold. Problem solving skills and defining and experiencing emotions are decreased. Therefore, they have difficulty in expressing emotions, and pain sensitivity increases in the presence of psychostressors,” states the Turkish Journal website.}

Alexithymia has currently been studied when it comes to patients with Fibromyalgia. Alexithymia is referred to as emotional blindness where a person has significant challenges in recognizing, expressing, or describing one’s own emotions to others around them. This can have a significant impact not only in attachment but also interpersonal relationships. Alexithymia is commonly recognized and prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

_{Studies generally show that fibromyalgia patients are individuals who have difficulties in expressing their emotions. Alexithymia rates were found to be high in patients with fibromyalgia,” states the Turkish Journal website.}

It is understandable that Fibromyalgia patients have a dysregulation of emotions and responses to chronic pain. Long term emotional distress amplifies many different aspects of Fibromyalgia. It can instigate new pain, thoughts of hopelessness, financial distress from a multitude of physician visits, along with medical anxiety of having new symptoms appear out of nowhere. Patients can also feel guilty for not being able to complete simple tasks along with having difficulty thinking or remembering. Fibromyalgia also creates an environment for patients that either sleep too much or too little, changes in appetite, unusual anger and/or irritability, and the need to isolate from people or activities to navigate their symptoms.

If you feel as a patient that you struggle with the above listed symptoms, it can be helpful to be assisted with different options available pharmaceutically coupled with cognitive behavior therapy. Definitely seek help from your physician promptly. Stay calm, stay cool, collect your thoughts, and continue to educate yourself about Fibromyalgia.