Usually in fibro forum, first time here

Hi Everyone,

This is my first time here. I'm usually in the fibromyalgia forum.

I was wondering if anyone has increased anxiety due to chronic pain? I find the worse that my pain is, the worse my anxiety is. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago and I also have post traumatic stress and a back and neck injury.

With having PTSD along with my spinal injuries, my body seems like it's never able to relax. This all began over ten years ago.

Does anyone find that eating healthy foods helps your anxiety level? Does anyone find eating sugar or unhealthy carbs which turn to sugar in the body increases your anxiety?

How about exercise? Do any of you find doing a little walking helps lessen your anxiety?

Thanks.

H amf and welcome to the A/P!!

Yes, pain as well as physical illness/issues can definitely by triggers for anxiety and panic.

We have many members here at HW dealing with both chronic illness/issues and anxiety...and an increase in one can cause the other to become more pronounced.

The nutrition question is a good one. While I don't believe (personally) that all anxiety can be eliminated by any specific diet...or even 'perfect' nutrition...anxiety can be reduced through healthy living!

This does of course includes eating right and exercise. Exercise not only burns extra adrenaline, it increases postive chemicals in the brain, including endorphins, that encourage good moods, suppress pain, and bring about an over-all feeling of well being.:)

For overall anxiety management however, many people need to explore further treatments such as therapy and possibly medication. Depending on the severity and what is recommeded by one's doctor, the need can be determined and explored together.

What have you tried thus far for finding relief from your anxiety besides managing your pain levels? How is it going for you?

We have a great Resource Guide here on our main A/P page (1st post) if you would like some great self-help ideas.:)

Feel free to post with us anytime. We are glad that you have joined us here, and now have two great forums in which to find understanding and support!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

Thanks for your replies and thanks for the welcome scaredy cat. What you say makes a lot of sense. I'll have to come back and look through the page you recommended.

What I'm having done is neuromusuclar massage therapy. It helps to relax my muscles. What she does for me is much more than what other massage therapists have done for me. But with my injuries and limitations I still have to be very careful with how much and what I do. When my pain is increased, my anxiety increases.

I see a psychologist now and then. He believes I have post traumatic stress. Talking about issues really helps. And, yes, I take gentle walks a couple times a day and do stretches twice a day.

Have you heard of hypersensitivity? It makes a lot of sense for me. Here's a link for those of you who are interested.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sense-and-sensitivity/201203/sensitive-and-stressed

I find that foods, especially sugar greatly affect my anxiety.

Hi, Me-Ouch, it's nice to see you in here too. I'll look forward to talking with you more.

Thanks again!

I'm glad you're doing better, mammoo.