• Become well-educated about Fibromyalgia.
  • Try to prepare for the up-and-down nature of the disease.
  • Plan alternative activities, alternative time schedules or time for extra rest.
  • Be open with family and friends about the unpredictable pattern of Fibromyalgia and how the disease affects you.
  • By “listening” to your pain as a signal, you can begin to “control” it.
  • Find positive ways to channel such negative feelings as anger and depression.
  • Remember that stress, depression and pain are all closely connected and each one affects the others.
  • You can reduce your fatigue by developing priorities and learning to pace your daily activities. Break down big, long-term goals into small, manageable steps that can be accomplished in short amounts of time.
  • Although Fibromyalgia doesn’t directly affect the body’s capacity for sexual enjoyment, the disease can cause problems. Open, honest communication is necessary to overcome these.
  • If Fibromyalgia has limited your hobbies and activities find new ways to use your skills.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. You can also join your local self-help group.
  • Become a partner in your health care by taking care to stay as healthy as possible – physically and emotionally.