Post traumatic stress disorder & fibromyalgia

There are so many pains that come with fibromyalgia, pun unintended.

We are familiar with many of them and in my support groups we talk about them. Think migraines, crippling fatigue, cognitive difficulties, irritable bowel syndrome, jaw pain, dizzy spells, depression and anxiety and the list goes on.

I never really associated post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with fibromyalgia.

It’s awkward considering that research says that fibromyalgia is usually triggered by traumatic events like accidents, extreme prolonged stress, abuse… And doctors say 1 in 3 people who experience a traumatic event will be affected by post traumatic stress disorder

So in actuality, PTSD could be a risk factor for fibromyalgia and vice versa.

No wonder so many of us are experiencing so many symptoms associated with PTSD. These include depression, hyper arousal, avoidance, emotional numbing and reliving the trauma for example through nightmares.

Treating PTSD

The thing that bothers me is so many of us seem to put these symptoms on a back burner as if they are less impacting that the physical pain and other issues of fibromyalgia.

We do grapple with a whole host of health problems. It’s hard, I know, getting treatment for all these while still fighting for the chance to live a normal life.

But it is just as important to treat PTSD. Until recently I hadn’t noticed how much it had affected me and how much of a difference it would make to my life to have it treated properly.

I’m just learning to accept it while sorting treatment. If you think you may have PTSD you don’t have to suffer in silence, go see your GP. It was scary for some reason, this new diagnosis. Another fibromyalgia problem to deal with. But talk to someone, an understanding friend, your support group, or even me! You’ll realise you’re not alone.

I wish you love, love, love and healing.

Gentle hugs 🙂