A Fibro Girl Communicates Her Needs Clearly

Introduction:

Does it seem like no one gets your fibromyalgia? And you know how frustrating it can be to deal with it everyday. You'd love some help, but you don't even know how to tell your family and friends what you need.

It can be a challenge to let others know how to understand your fibromyalgia when you barely understand it yourself. Keep reading for 5 tips on sharing your fibromyalgia with others.

Hey Fibro Girl!

This used to be me. I didn't talk about my fibromyalgia at all. Or even understand how to. Maybe you can relate?

I was embarrassed. 

I didn’t want to tell anyone how awful I felt.

 I didn’t LOOK sick. 

Worried that they’d dismiss me. 

Or say that it was all in my head

Sharing Your Fibro Needs

It’s hard to find a way to share with those closest to you about what’s going on. And it can feel scary for your people too.  They can see that something is wrong. They might not even know that it’s fibromyalgia yet. They don’t know how to help you. 

They want to help. 

And maybe you don’t know how they can either. 

A Fibro Girl Communicates Clearly

It’s hard to find a way to share with those closest to you about what’s going on. And it can feel scary for your people too.  They can see that something is wrong. They might not even know that it’s fibromyalgia yet. They don’t know how to help you. 

They want to help. 

And maybe you don’t know how they can either. 

Once I finally shared with my people about my fibromyalgia in a way that felt good for me AND them

And how it affected me. 

And what I needed from them

They were all too happy to help out.
Understanding Removes Fear

These are the things that I looked when I started sharing about my fibromyalgia

1. Learn the facts about fibromyalgia

2. Look at all the ways you can help yourself

3. See where you might need extra help (during the day, during an outing…)

4. Plan ahead and ask for support with kindness (not in a demanding way out of desperation when it’s too late)

5. Speak up - you are responsible for yourself and for taking care of your OWN needs

When I finally stopped reacting and was able to look at my fibromyalgia objectively, then I was able to communicate better with my family and friends.

My Operation Manual

I wrote an Operation Manual for them.

They were so grateful.

If you’re interested in creating your own Operation Manual for your people, check out this self study course A Fibro Girl’s Operation Manual. You’ll be glad you did. And so will your people!

Love,

Krista- Your Thriving with Fibromyalgia Guide for Women

Other resources to help you get started with thriving with fibromyalgia