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A New Free Report - What Is Fibromyalgia?
This fascinating new report from UK-based publishing house Health Research Today answers some of the most-asked questions about this baffling disease :
- What's the medical definition of Fibromyalgia?
- What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
- What are tender points and what are trigger points? What's the difference?
- What are the known causes of Fibromyalgia?
Fill in this form and we will send you the report immediately, which you are welcome to send on to friends or family!
Living With Fibromyalgia
This article is an extract from the ebook Freedom From Fibromyalgia!
Fibromyalgia And Depression
Depression is a common result of fibromyalgia for many people.Dealing with the shock of being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, or the daily grind of continuous pain is frequently enough to cause Depression in many fibromyalgia sufferers.Clinical depression such as that which often accompanies Fibromyalgia is more than just a passingfeeling of sadness.It is often associated with feelings ofhopelessness and despair, loss of appetite, lethargy, despondency, lack of interest in one’s normal hobbies and with even suicidal thoughts. Depression is a syndrome that affects your thoughts, moods, feelings, behaviour, and physical health.
In previous years, it was often thought that depression was largely psychosomatic, and that the patient could rouse themselves from their depression if they only tried hard enough. Doctors now know that depression is not just psychosomatic, and many now choose to treat this situation chemically by prescribing antidepressant drugs.
There are three major chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters which must be in present in the right balance for a normal functioning and a happy mood.The major neurotransmitters are Serotonin, Dopamine and Norepinephrine. However, when these neurotransmitters are in an unbalanced state, mood change are highly likely. In general, when Serotonin levels drop, symptoms of Fibromyalgia depression can quickly settle in, and when Serotonin levels rise, a happy content mood generally results.
What Are The Symptoms Of Depression?
The symptoms of depression in people with fibromyalgia are: persistent sadness, anxiousness or flat moods that can last up to 2 or more weeks, fatigue, sleeping too much or too little, recurrent thoughts of suicide, changes in appetite and weight, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions, guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness. If you feel consistently unhappy for more than a couple of weeks, then you may be clinically depressed.
Coping With Fibromyalgia Depression
With Depression, as with many health challenges, it is important to work towards a healthy lifestyle as much as possible.Ensure that your diet is healthy and varied, and that you drinking enough water.Dehydration can easily leave you feeling sluggish and tired.As far as possible, incorporate some form exercise into your daily routine.Even a walk around the block will get your heart moving and may raise your spirits. Exercise is known to stimulate the release of the feel-good chemical serotonin in the brain, which may alleviate any feelings of despair or hopelessness.
If your depression persists or worsens, it may be wise to consult with your doctor.Generally your doctor will either refer you to a psychologist for further counselling, or they may prescribe anti-depressant drugs. If you are prescribed anti-depressant drugs, ensure that you fully understand which drugs you are being given.Make sure that you are aware of any contraindications for the drug.Many drugs cannot be taken with alcohol for instance, and it can be quite dangerous to do so.
Know that you are certainly not alone. Depression affects more than 18 million Americans of all ages and races.By seeking the support of your friends, family and family doctor you can certainly return to your usual happy, optimistic and productive state.
© Health Research Today
Read the rest of this article in Freedom From Fibromyalgia!
