Many people have shared that reading has become difficult after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. People share they continually re-read words and sentences only to still have trouble with comprehension. If you love to read, don't give up. Listening to books on tape from the library or using a service like Audible is a great way to continue "reading" when it's challenging. People with fibromyalgia have shared that this has been a helpful solution. Also, read when you are feeling better physically, even if its just for a few minutes a day. The practice will be helpful.

According to the authors of this study, Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion in Chronic Pain (Davey et al., 2020), the Psychological Flexibility model is important for understanding chronic pain because higher flexibility is associated with more effective coping.

Psychological Flexibility means holding our own thoughts and emotions a bit more lightly, and acting on longer term values and goals rather than short term impulses, thoughts and feelings.

Self-compassion is a core concept embodying positive feelings of loving kindness toward oneself, experiencing self-directed warmth, acceptance, patience, and generosity of spirit. People with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other issues often have difficulty with self-compassion, even being unconsciously afraid of it. Self-compassion can be trained through various practices, and generally improves mental health and overall personal development. Greater self compassion helps people have psychological flexibility.

This study showed higher psychological flexibility and self-compassion significantly correlated with reduced impact of chronic pain. Higher self-compassion was associated with substantially more openness, awareness and engagement, less pain interference, better work and social adjustment, and less intense depressive symptoms. 

Read the entire article on Psychology Today.

Many women with fibromyalgia also have endometriosis. Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is an often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis currently requires a surgery to make a definitive diagnosis. Researchers are investigating a blood test for endometriosis. This will be wonderful news if this blood test proves effective. This article has more information including a request for trial participants.

This article on the Duke Health Blog explores the many benefits journaling can have on your health. It has helped people decrease medications and improve sleep. Read the article for tips to get started today. One more plus for journaling - it’s free.