The Prevalence of Depression Among Fibromyalgia Sufferers

16 May

Fibromyalgia is characterised by joint pain and features symptoms like fatigue and depression. Today, discover how fibromyalgia and depression are interlinked and the best way to manage the symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting the bones and muscles. According to a 2018 study, it affects 6 to 12 million people in the USA, with 90% of the sufferers being female. The ailment is often associated with classic symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, headaches, cognitive impairment, abdominal discomfort, and insomnia. However, some studies also show that fibromyalgia can often be linked to anxiety and depression.

There’s no definitive cure for fibromyalgia, but with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and therapy, you can effectively control the symptoms. Continue reading and dig deep into its link with depression, what happens when fibromyalgia isn’t treated, and how to manage its symptoms.

Depression Defined

Depression is characterised as a mood disorder. It is often described as a continuous state of sadness, anger, and feeling ‘blue.’ According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression is a severe medical concern. It affects about 16.2 million adults in the US alone, with 10.9% being people aged between 18 and 25.

Unlike other illnesses, depression affects people differently, but the most common symptoms include anxiety, reduced sexual desire, fatigue, loss of interest, hopelessness, insomnia, inability to concentrate, and headaches.

It also comes in various forms, including clinical depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and dysthymia.

It’s vital to note, though, that feeling low at times is a normal part of life, but if you’re feeling hopeless daily, you could be dealing with clinical depression. In such cases, consulting with a professional is the best mode of treatment. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, going to therapy, and taking your prescriptions can help control the symptoms of depression and get you back to being your productive self.

But first… what is the link between depression and fibromyalgia?

How Are Fibromyalgia and Depression Connected?

There are a slew of studies that connect fibromyalgia and depression. One research suggests that adults with fibromyalgia are more likely to experience depression than those without.

So, what triggers depression in fibromyalgia patients?

Well, many researchers suggest that chronic pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia causes anxiety and depression. Chronic muscle and joint pain result in inactivity, which leads to involuntary social isolation. It then triggers feelings of hopelessness, self-hate, anger, and ultimately, depression.

According to Health Web Magazine, there are possibilities that depression and anxiety might be part of fibromyalgia, just like pain, but there aren’t enough studies to back this claim.

What’s clear is that depression and fibromyalgia can disrupt your daily activities and overall health. Therefore, it’s essential to inform your physician of any symptoms of depression. Taking a powerful joint pain supplement helps with pain, and regular exercise can also be ideal in reducing the pain and maybe even the symptoms of depression.

Do Fibromyalgia Patients Realise They’re Depressed?

According to the Health Web Magazine, some fibromyalgia patients might be aware they have depression, but 40% might not. Nonetheless, they know that all is not well.

The common signs and symptoms of depression with chronic pain include:

● Anxiety

● Loss of interest in hobbies or everyday activities

● Low energy and vitality levels

● Inability to concentrate on work or when making decisions

● Feelings of guilt, anger, irritability, or hopelessness

● Overwhelming tearfulness

In severe cases, depression with fibromyalgia can lead to thoughts of death or suicide.

Does Stress Trigger Depression in Fibromyalgia Patients?

Yes, it does. The relentless fatigue and chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia can trigger severe stress, leading to uncontrollable feelings of anxiety and nervousness.

What research doesn’t show is whether not leading a healthy lifestyle triggers fibromyalgia or if the condition itself causes stress.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter which comes first. Stress undoubtedly triggers issues of distractibility, anger, and irritability. It also worsens the pain and fatigue, heightening the symptoms of depression.

Do Patients with Chronic Pain Conditions Experience Depression?

Feelings of depression are popular in various chronic pain conditions, including shoulder pain, back, hip pain, headaches, and fibromyalgia. Studies show that people who experience chronic lower back pain experience depression three times more than the general population.

In the same way, having a depressive disorder increases the risk of chronic pain. Most patients with depression also describe a significant hindrance from pain and exhibit more pain behaviours than chronic pain patients who don’t experience depression.

What if Fibromyalgia Isn’t Treated?

If you don’t seek treatment for fibromyalgia, you might end up spiraling and feeling more depressed. The intense pain and fatigue restrict your movements and disrupt your daily life. That, in turn, triggers feelings of loneliness, isolation, fear, and ultimately strains your relationships.

As time goes by, your symptoms become worse, and you start slacking in your job. This leads to loss of income, which then triggers stress, anxiety, and depression.

How Can One Manage Depression with Fibromyalgia?

Currently, there is no specific cure for fibromyalgia. Instead, physicians focus on reducing the symptoms and boosting your quality of life with:

Healthy diet

Medication

Therapy

Exercise

● Healthy Diet. Some chronic pain patients report feeling better after sticking to a healthy diet plan. However, research hasn’t proven that any specific meal helps reduce fibro symptoms.

That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t eat a balanced diet. Nutrition is crucial in boosting your overall health, reducing symptoms, and offering you a surplus of energy.

Dietary plans you need to consider include:

▪ Fruits and vegetables

▪ Whole grains

▪ Lots of water

▪ Lean protein

▪ Less sugar

You might also want to avoid gluten and MSG since they could make your symptoms worse. In that case, you should consult a nutritionist or your health provider to help you figure out the best foods for your condition.

● Medication. Based on your symptoms, your physician might prescribe antidepressants, pain relievers, or muscle relaxers. These meds help reduce the pain symptoms and offer you some much-needed comfort.

However, the three approved medications for fibromyalgia include:

▪ Milnacipran (Savella)

▪ Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

▪ Pregabalin (Lyrica)

You might also benefit from a powerful joint pain supplement or over-the-counter pain meds like naproxen sodium and aspirin. Just be careful not to get addicted to pain relievers since it can lead to more problems in the future.

● Therapy. You can also benefit from complementary therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, or massages to lessen the pain and stress.

Group therapy might also be a favourable option since it is cost-effective and offers you the chance to meet other people experiencing the same problems as you.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is also slowly becoming an incredible option and might help you overcome your stress-related symptoms.

● Exercise. You might also want to exploit the benefits of exercise as they are vital in controlling fibromyalgia. You’ll, however, want to stick to low-impact activities that boost your endurance, help you stretch, and strengthen your muscles. Some of these exercises include tai chi, Pilates, yoga, and an evening walk.

Exercise has also been shown to release endorphins, which reduce stress and boost your mood. It can also help improve your sleep patterns.

The Bottom Line

Fibromyalgia is a widespread muscle and joint pain condition, which affects your quality of life. Complicating issues and ignoring the symptoms can make the symptoms worse, leading to depression.

The best way to manage the symptoms is by going for therapy, exploiting the benefits of exercise, and consulting a professional for proper guidance.

You should also try to lean on the people you love and those who understand what you’re going through. Remember to also be gentle with yourself – don’t blame yourself for it. Fibromyalgia is a common issue, and by learning to cope and manage it, you can lead a healthy life.