How can I help my spouse with the stress brought on by my fibromyalgia?
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Dr. Dede Bonner answered:You may be facing a double-dose stress whammy. Chronic illness strains even the best marriages and relationships. Many couples experience internal misunderstandings, self-pity, anger, and financial and sexual problems. The ill partner may become disabled. All of this is added to the pressure cooker of routine work, family, and financial demands.
Maryland licensed clinical social worker Mark Gorkin says, “Caregivers frequently cycle between anger, due to the unreasonable demands of care giving, and being in a state of chronic guilt and stress for not being able to do it all.”
The only way out is to work together as a team. Identify what’s causing each of you the greatest stress and then talk over what you can practically do to alleviate some of it. Some friends or family members might gladly help out, too.
Find out more about this book: The 10 Best Questions for Living with Fibromyalgia: The Script You Need to...
You may be facing a double-dose stress whammy. Chronic illness strains even the best marriages and relationships. Many couples experience internal misunderstandings, self-pity, anger, and financial and sexual problems. The ill partner may become... More
