Fibromyalgia
EMDR Trauma Psychotherapist
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. People with fibromyalgia often experience a range of symptoms, including:
Chronic Pain: Persistent pain throughout the body, often described as a constant dull ache.
Fatigue: Feeling tired despite adequate sleep, often leading to reduced energy and motivation.
Cognitive Difficulties: Often referred to as “fibro fog,” this includes problems with focus, memory, and concentration.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep.
Sensory Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, noise, and temperature changes.
The Trauma Connection
Emerging research suggests a significant connection between fibromyalgia and trauma. Trauma, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, can profoundly impact the body’s nervous system, potentially contributing to the development of fibromyalgia. Here’s how:
Chronic Stress Response: Trauma often triggers a prolonged stress response in the body. This heightened state of arousal can lead to persistent inflammation and changes in pain perception, which are hallmarks of fibromyalgia.
Nervous System Dysregulation: Trauma can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, leading to an imbalance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems. This dysregulation can contribute to the chronic pain and fatigue experienced by individuals with fibromyalgia.
Psychological Impact: Emotional and psychological trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These conditions can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms and make it more challenging to manage the condition effectively.
Altered Pain Processing: Trauma can affect how the brain processes pain signals, making individuals more sensitive to pain. This altered pain perception is a common feature of fibromyalgia, where even minor stimuli can cause significant discomfort.
Addressing Fibromyalgia Through Trauma-Informed Care
Understanding the connection between fibromyalgia and trauma opens up new avenues for treatment and support. Trauma-informed care focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can address both the physical and emotional aspects of their condition. Key components include:
Therapeutic Interventions: Techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can help process and heal trauma, potentially reducing fibromyalgia symptoms.
Mind-Body Approaches: Recent research regarding practices like mindfulness have now been found to be unhelpful, particularly with regard to chronic pain.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Hypnotherapy : can assist in addressing negative thought patterns and behaviours, helping you manage pain and improve your overall quality of life.
Supportive Environment: Creating a nurturing and understanding environment, both in therapeutic settings and in daily life, is crucial for individuals dealing with the dual challenges of fibromyalgia and trauma.
Seeking Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with fibromyalgia and believe trauma may be a contributing factor, seeking professional help can be a transformative step.
I specialise in trauma-informed therapy and offer personalised support to help you manage fibromyalgia symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Contact me today to learn more about my services and how I can help you navigate the complexities of fibromyalgia.
