How to Support Your Spouse with Fibromyalgia

By Kristi Patrice Carter

Has your spouse been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia? If so, you know that this is a debilitating condition that not only changes your spouse’s life, but your life as well. It is sometimes difficult to know how to support your spouse with Fibromyalgia. While the natural instinct is to solely deal with your partner’s pain, it is also necessary to face the pain and stress you feel head on.

Individuals who have Fibromyalgia are often in a significant amount of pain and may lash out at their spouse. This can often be confusing and frustrating. Adding to this situation may be a growing sense of isolation from their spouse. People with Fibromyalgia often start to shut out loved ones rather than lash out at them while they are in pain. This can put a severe strain on a marital relationship.

If you are experiencing this situation, it is important to share your feelings in an open and honest manner with your spouse. Be honest about your limitations and discuss how you will confront those limitations as they arise. Be realistic with your partner about how the disorder has changed any future plans you may have shared and discuss your feelings openly. This will prevent any feelings of guilt, remorse, or doubt in the future. Remember, it is now your responsibility to be proactive about maintaining a positive relationship with your spouse.

It is always difficult to watch someone you love in pain. It is often difficult to know how to support your spouse with Fibromyalgia, especially when you know they are suffering. Talk with your spouse to find a way to discuss their pain so that you can provide the help they need on a day to day basis. You may even want to work with your partner to create a pain scale so that the expectations are clear, avoiding future arguments, hard feelings, or stress.

You can also learn from others how to support your spouse with Fibromyalgia. Make time to seek out Fibromyalgia support groups. In these groups, you will meet other people living with loved ones suffering from Fibromyalgia. You may learn techniques from them that you can apply in your own home or benefit from being surrounded by understanding peers who are willing to listen to you. These groups can be invaluable resources.

It will take time and effort to learn how to support your spouse with Fibromyalgia. However, the time you spend will be invaluable to your marriage and appreciated by your spouse.