I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in my freshman year of high school when I was almost 15 years old. I have always been a busy girl, and having this disease has caused many obstacles and set-backs. I often find myself bailing on plans because I physically do not have any energy to exert. Fibromyalgia is a chronic fatigue disease. Mayo Clinic describes it well here: Fibromyalgia

Here’s how I’ve learned to cope with it:

Accept it.

This disease doesn’t just go away. Self-pity is the worst thing for you. This goes for every single invisible illness. It is certain that these things can be both genetic or environmental, but ultimately you need to allow yourself to be okay with who you are and what you’re going through.

Ask for help when you need it.

You know what, sometimes you just can’t do it. Maybe you’re stretching yourself too thin to keep your mind occupied. Take a minute to take a look at all of your responsibilities, and see where you need assistance. For me personally, while being involved on my college campus, I had to learn when to delegate responsibilities to others. Other instances, if i needed to go for a drive to clear my head, I would ask a friend to go with me so that I wasn’t alone.

Exercise.

Exercise might make you tired and sore, but you’re already in pain, so go for it! By doing nothing, your body is going to feel stiff. Exercise is the absolute best thing to do for your body.

Eat as best you can.

Personally, this is the hardest part for me. I can admit to being a broke college student. So what food do I want? McDonald’s and Domino’s. But, with something like fibromyalgia you have to eat good to prevent certain foods from making you feel worse. Don’t get me wrong, anything in moderation, but stray away from too much caffeine, gluten, white sugar, and fast food. I promise eating better makes a difference.

Keep doing things you love, but don’t push too hard.

Regardless of what it is, if there is something you love... keep doing it. I love working, but I have realized that I cannot manage work, school, and friendships while I am in pain and feel ill. Taking a break is good for your body and your mental stability.

Go to therapy

Believe it or not, everyone could use some therapy. You deserve it. Find someone to talk to on a weekly basis so that you don’t feel like you’re constantly complaining to your friends about how frustrating the pain can be!

When people tell you it’s all in your head, they’re wrong.

Whether it’s friends or even family, unless they’re going through a similar situation, they DO NOT understand you. When someone says something like “it’s all in your head”, or “get over it”, please don’t dwell on it for too long. I am sure people mean well, but you need to heal and process what’s going on in your own time. Fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses are in fact very real.

Sleep.

If you feel constantly exhausted, which I am sure you do, why not make sleeping a priority? Make sure your bedroom is to SLEEP in. Hanging out in your bed really is not the best idea unless you’re trying to sleep. My issue is that sometimes my body is physically in too much pain to lay down. Designate 7-8 hours a night to sleeping and this is when you will be lying in bed. Over time, you’ll notice, your body adjusts and gets used to it.

Generally, just take care of yourself.

You don’t need anyone to take care of you. As much as sometimes that’s what you want, you have to get up, get out there, and do things!