How Psychologists Help Fibromyalgia Patients | Central Chiropractor

About 30% of people with fibromyalgia experience nervousness, depression, or some form of mood disturbance. Researchers have not yet determined whether fibromyalgia causes these conditions or vice versa, but what has become clear is that when your psychological state succumbs to your physical pain, your pain gets stronger. That’s why your physician may recommend you seek a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a counselor.

How can mental and emotional support help with fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition. Its symptoms will often impact your life in a way that transcend pain and are varied. The pain and fatigue alone could be sufficient to negatively alter your lifestyle, thus affecting your mood. To take control of your symptoms, you may have to have a multi-disciplinary strategy, incorporating psychology, physical therapy, and medications, to help provide overall relief from all fibromyalgia symptoms.

The Difference Between Anxiety and Depression

Many individuals frequently group anxiety and depression together. Although it is true that you may be anxious and depressed, the two are not quite the same and it may be important to understand this to find relief.

Intense, chronic sadness characterizes depression. Actual depression is much more significant, although you might say you are depressed after a particularly bad day at work.

People manage depression in their own way. You cry or lash out in anger. You eat in reaction to your annoyance or may spend days in bed. No matter the reason, what is most important is recognizing the shift in your behavior. If you find yourself thinking, “I never used to feel like that. My life used to be greater,” then speak with your physician or therapist.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is known for its consuming feelings of fear, panic, and worry which are excessive. You may feel as though your heart is racing, so much in fact that your nervousness may be confused with a heart issue.

Finding the Proper Mental Health Professional

There are various kinds of professionals, including licensed professional counselors (LPCs), psychologists, and psychiatrists that are trained to diagnose and cure whatever mental or emotional pain you are experiencing. Your health care provider will help you select which one will best help you.

LPCs might diagnose and treat fibromyalgia and they may often be required to have a master’s degree in counseling mental and psychological disorders. Psychologists, a separate set of non-physician mental health professionals, have doctorate degrees and cure psychological issues using therapies (ie, cognitive-behavioral therapy). Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are licensed to prescribe.

Recognizing that your pain is physical can be hard, and visiting a mental health professional may be daunting, but doing so can decrease your fibromyalgia pain. In the event that you don’t need drugs, visiting a health specialist may be an extremely beneficial experience. You may talk about your expertise with fibromyalgia, which is therapeutic in itself.

If you detect a change in your outlook on life and have fibromyalgia, do not be afraid to seek out the help of mental health professional. The ultimate purpose is to allow you to feel better about yourself and recover a life.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Wellness

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

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