Thinking Negatively Can Make Fibromyalgia Symptoms Worse

A recent study has found that negative thoughts can increase stress and in turn, make fibromyalgia symptoms worse.

Fibromyalgia patients talk about how they manage their fibro pain. 

Rumination is thought to affect a person’s ability to cope and approach life with optimism. Fibromyalgia patients suffer from symptoms such as chronic pain, severe fatigue and brain fog, symptoms which are made worse when the person chooses to focus on negative thoughts.

The researchers involved in the study surveyed 98 women with fibromyalgia, asking them questions about various aspects of their mood including rumination, depression, coping, optimism, anxiety, and stress. They found that those who spent less time ruminating were generally less stressed and suffered from fewer of the physical symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. They concluded that if women were able to better control their negative thought processes then they would experience more relief of their fibro symptoms. Read more about this study here. 

Read our six tips to help you reduce stress and relax more. 

Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

5 comments

  1. Em says:

    I will admit if I were blue-pure perfect in my cognitive perhaps everything negative in my life would vanish. I do believe this is referred to as denial.

    Although this may sound as though I have a poor attitude I do not it is just that there are many here that have many other things going on in their lives and these kind of la-la statements are more like a slap in the face.

    In other words-it is our fault we are in pain. Just my opinion. There are many far worse and many far better.

    Blessings and Peace to the warriors.

  2. Em says:

    Negative thinking can destroy no matter one’s malady. It has been proven that laughter heals the body, mind and maybe even the soul for those who do believe in an afterlife. Being finite beings we all need something to hold on to and trust in. A smile will carry one farther and we do not know what a smile and a kind word can do for another.
    One who is void of trust-fill in the words as you wish.

  3. Emily Plummer says:

    I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia around 6 years ago although I’m certain I have had it much longer than that. I have suffered from sleeplessness, joint stiffness, severe pains, depression and fatigue. My neurologist prescribed duloxetin 40mg daily (Given as 20mg twice daily), although it did relieve some of the pain, I still suffered from joint stiffness and extreme fatigue. Finally, i started on Fibromyalgia herbal formula i ordered from NewLife Herbal Clinic, this herbal formula did the magic! almost immediately i started usage, i started noticing a general reduction of symptoms including the very severe pains and fatigue. 9 weeks into usage, the disease has totally succumbed to this herbal treatment. The whole pains and terrible fatigue has seized and i am now able to function fully well again. (Visit their website www . newlifeherbalclinic . com ) I’m able to get out of bed in the morning and have more energy to go about my daily activities.

Leave a Comment