Recently, I posted an article I wrote on Fibromyalgia. I received a response on that article today and wanted to post it. It was very helpful and informative and thought I would share it all with you.
9 comments on Response to My Article on Fibromyalgia
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anniel
said 5 months ago
Thank you for posting this good informative article. I was a sensitive child and always took things so very personally, even as an adult. I think I am doing much better in that area now. But, that is interesting that my sensitivities and stress could have brought about my autoimmune disease and also my fibro. I do know that when I am stressed even now, I have flareups of my disease. Thanks again for the article. Annie :o)
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hopefields
said 5 months ago
I also have an auto-immune disorder called Cogans. It's supposedly rare, but I somehow ended up with it. It affects balance, hearing, and vision. Mine also flares up when I'm stressed out so I have to try to not sorry so much. Unfortunately, I'm not always good at not worrying and can always tell, by my body's signals to me, when I'm getting really stressed. It was definitely an informative piece that the person wrote.
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hopefields
said 5 months ago
I meant to say I have to try not to worry so much. :)
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southwesterngrad
said 5 months ago
Very informative! I am not a great worrier. I tend to believe that most of what people worry about is never going to happen. Both my brothers, on the other hand are and were great worriers, always concocting the worst possible scenario.
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hopefields
said 5 months ago
Yes, I am a worrier, unfortunately. However, it is something I try daily to work on.
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donnamg
said 5 months ago
This is extremely interesting. I had commented on your fibro post with mixed feelings about the possibilities of abuse being a factor, citing examples of people I know personally who have fibro. After reading this, I better understand the overall stress that plays into it, not always specifically child abuse, and can now see that ALL of the people I know personally with fibro do fit in the stress category. Yes, even the ones I said didn't suffer any known instances of child abuse did endure harsh, stressful lives. Thank you for sharing this response with us because this info is very important.
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hopefields
said 5 months ago
I felt that most people that had read my initial article would be interested in reading what this person had to say about it. It is very interesting and informative.
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martne
said 5 months ago
This is such a valuable, important post. Many thanks for sharing this! I strongly support the psychologist's point of view and recommendations.
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hopefields
said 5 months ago
I support the psychologist's point of view as well. I think it is also better understandable to think of it in terms of levels of stress. It makes sense.
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Child abuse is probably important primarily as a significant stressor. It is one of many things that can elevate levels of cortisol - which can be damaging - and apparently can disregulate the immune system, leading to autoimmune conditions. What complicates research is that some people are more genetically susceptible to stress than others.
Rather than thinking of child abuse as "the cause", it's wise to think of stress as a likely risk factor. For the purpose of prevention, though, it is important to get the message out that harsh childhoods can really impact some children, especially those who are genetically vulnerable. That means that some children need extra special care to avoid developing problems. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder and a history of high life stress, your children and other children in your family may be a little more likely to respond to stress with immune problems.
Therefore, it may be important for future generations to give these kids extra TLC to help the next generation avoid the problems.
For the sufferer of an autoimmune condition, paying extra attention to relationships, trying to ensure that you have good supportive nurturing friendships, and giving yourself the sort of messages you needed as a child may be therapeutic. If you had an aversive or abusive childhood, I might recommend some imagery exercises in which you work on replacing harsh childhood memories with warm fantasies of what you wished had been going on. The mind responds to fantasies much as it responds to actual experience, so if you repeatedly fantasize about the childhood you wish you had had, you might be able to mitigate against some of the harsh effects of your actual childhood.
As a psychologist suffering from an autoimmune problem, I've used these techniques myself. Of course, for those who can get it, the support of a good therapist can be very helpful too. Especially if you can get help with stress management, hypnosis, or the kind of long term treatment that helps people work through stressful past events.