How do I deal with depression as a fibromyalgia caregiver?

Depression is frequently related to FM because of associated losses, however, we forget as patients that those around us have lost something too. They have lost the person we once were, and in some cases, the work load increases exponentially for the care giver. 

As a caregiver you too can become isolated and grieve the loss of your loved ones previous level of functioning. This in turn affects your other personal relationships.

Acceptance is the first step to managing fibromyalgia, but can be difficult for the patient and the caregiver. Fending off depression is important, make a list of things you for which you are grateful, journal, create affirmations, find a role model, and smile at yourself in the mirror. (You can find more information on spirituality and affirmations at my website http://TheseThree.com)

Help your loved one by getting the support you both need. See a counselor that is experienced in helping people with chronic pain. My co-author started out as my therapist.

Also see my answer to “How is counseling used to treat fibromyalgia?”

All blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press and are not meant to replace medical advice. http://www.thesethree.com

Author of Chapter Five, Living with and Coping Effectively Through Fibromyalgia: Detecting Barriers, Understanding the Clues, in Fibromyalgia Insider Secrets: 10 Top Experts, 2nd Ed. Ebook complied by Deirdre Rawlings, ND, PhDhttp://www.fibromyalgiainsidersecrets.com/whoarewe/Celest.html

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