If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or another chronic condition that causes pain, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, or others, it can feel like your future is uncertain. How will this affect your life? Will you ever feel normal again? Will you be able to do the things you love? 

This can be a stressful situation, and it often causes anxiety. Researchers have found that experiencing a chronic illness puts a person at increased risk for developing anxiety or an anxiety disorder. This anxiety does not come from the condition itself but from the reality of being diagnosed with a chronic illness that has no known cause and no cure.

Why Fibromyalgia Leads to Anxiety

Receiving a fibromyalgia diagnosis can be overwhelming. Unlike other conditions with clear diagnostic tests and treatment plans, fibromyalgia remains misunderstood. This uncertainty can lead to feelings of frustration, fear, and helplessness. Not everyone will suffer from anxiety, but several factors can lead to this mood state when we have fibromyalgia.

  • Uncertainty About the Future: Living with a condition that has no cure means facing an unpredictable future, which can be distressing. People with fibromyalgia often wonder how their symptoms will progress and whether they will be able to maintain their daily activities, work, and relationships.
  • Chronic Pain and Fatigue: The persistent nature of fibromyalgia symptoms makes daily life challenging, leading to emotional exhaustion. Dealing with unrelenting pain, stiffness, and overwhelming fatigue can make even simple tasks feel impossible, leading to a sense of loss of control over one’s life.
  • Lack of Understanding from Others: As fibromyalgia symptoms can appear invisible, people with fibromyalgia may feel misunderstood or dismissed by doctors, employers, and even loved ones. The skepticism surrounding fibromyalgia can make individuals feel isolated and unsupported, which worsens feelings of anxiety. 
  • Difficulty Accessing Effective Treatment: Many people struggle to find treatments that provide real relief, which can lead to hopelessness. Because fibromyalgia treatment is often a process of trial and error, many individuals feel frustrated with the lack of effective medical solutions. The time and energy spent searching for pain relief can add to emotional distress.
  • Financial and Lifestyle Struggles: Managing a chronic illness often comes with financial burdens, as frequent medical visits, therapies, and medications can be expensive. Some individuals may have to reduce their work hours or stop working entirely, adding to financial stress and feelings of anxiety about the future.

How to Manage Anxiety with Fibromyalgia

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, there are ways to cope with the emotional toll it takes. Managing anxiety and depression is just as important as managing physical symptoms. Here are some strategies that can help:

Nine ways to Manage Anxiety with Fibromyalgia

  • Self-Education: Understanding fibromyalgia can help reduce fear and provide a sense of control. Learning about the condition, available treatments, and ways to manage symptoms can help individuals feel more empowered in their journey.
  • Building a Support System: Connecting with others who have fibromyalgia can provide emotional validation and encouragement. Support groups, either in-person or online, allow individuals to share their experiences and coping strategies while feeling understood.
  • Therapy and Counseling: Speaking with a mental health professional can help manage the emotional burden of chronic illness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can teach individuals how to manage stress and cope with negative thoughts related to fibromyalgia.
  • Gentle Movement: Activities like walking, biking, yoga or Qi Gong can help improve mood and reduce stress. Regular movement, even in small amounts, can help reduce pain levels and improve overall well-being.
  • Prioritizing Rest: Managing fatigue and sleep disturbances can improve emotional resilience. Establishing a healthy sleep routine, avoiding stimulants before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can improve sleep quality.
  • Stress Management Techniques: Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, journaling, and meditation can help individuals cope with anxiety and improve overall mental health. Finding hobbies or activities that bring joy, and relaxation can also be beneficial.
  • Setting Realistic Goals: Accepting limitations and setting achievable goals can help prevent frustration and burnout. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make daily activities feel less overwhelming.
  • Medication and Supplements: Some individuals benefit from medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or muscle relaxants. Consulting with a healthcare provider about medication options can help determine if they are appropriate for managing anxiety and depression alongside fibromyalgia symptoms.
  • Nutrition. People with anxiety should limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol since both can trigger panic attacks and worsen anxiety symptoms. Some types of food may aggravate fibromyalgia, including dairy products, gluten, corn, sugar, and foods from the nightshade family. 

Symptoms of anxiety:

  • Excessively worrying about physical health
  • Experiencing difficulty falling asleep or waking up too early due to excessive worry
  • Having nightmares about physical health
  • Having panic attacks related to your prognosis
  • Difficulty discussing your physical condition
  • Avoiding treatments that cause anxiety
  • Avoiding social interactions
  • Having intrusive thoughts about dying
  • Becoming irritable about physical health

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please inform your doctor so they can help you begin treatment and work towards returning to your regular life as much as possible.

Final Thoughts

Fibromyalgia is more than just physical pain—it takes an emotional toll as well. The anxiety that often come with it, stems from the challenges of living with a chronic illness that has no clear answers. The uncertainty, the lack of effective treatments, and the daily struggles of managing symptoms can be overwhelming. However, by seeking support, managing stress, and finding effective coping strategies, individuals with fibromyalgia can improve their quality of life and mental well-being.

Although fibromyalgia presents many challenges, it is possible to find ways to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Understanding that it is okay to seek help, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care can make a significant difference. Remember, you are not alone—there is support available, and there is hope for better days ahead. 

For more information contact:

Fibromyalgia Association Canada (FAC)
Website: fibrocanada.ca
Email:      admin@fibrocanada.ca

References:

Fibromyalgia Association Canada. (2023). Fact Sheet – for Patients and Families. https://fibrocanada.ca/en/for-patients-and-families/

Fibromyalgia Association Canada. (2025). Breaking the Cycle of Insomnia and Fibromyalgia: Strategies for Better Sleep and Wellness. https://fibrocanada.ca/en/insomnia/

Fibromyalgia Association Canada. (2025). Struggling to Sleep with Fibromyalgia: 6 Strategies for a Better Night. https://fibrocanada.ca/en/struggling-to-sleep-with-fibromyalgia-6-strategies-for-a-better-night/

Fibromyalgia Association Canada. (2025). Living with Fibromyalgia and Setting 5 SMART Goals. https://fibrocanada.ca/en/setting-5-smart-goals/

Fibromyalgia Association Canada. (2025). Mini Goals: Focus on Achievable Targets for Better Fibromyalgia Management. https://fibrocanada.ca/en/mini-goals/