Mental Illness: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

Mood Disorders Are Root Cause by Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Hidden Connection

Fibromyalgia is widely known for its chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction, but its impact on mental health is often overlooked. Many individuals with fibromyalgia also experience mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings. This raises an important question: Does fibromyalgia cause mood disorders, or do mood disorders trigger fibromyalgia? Emerging research suggests that fibromyalgia plays a direct role in the development of mood disorders, rather than simply being a consequence of chronic…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/05/202508/22/2025•0

What Happened When I Was Judged for Using Disabled Parking With an Invisible Illness Will Change How You See People

When I’m Judged for Using Disabled Parking With an Invisible Illness Every time I pull into a disabled parking spot, I brace myself. Not for the walk into the building or the flare-up that made me need the space in the first place—but for the looks, the whispers, the judgment. Because I don’t “look sick.” And in a world that still struggles to understand invisible illness, that’s enough for some to assume I’m doing something…

by chronicillness•05/04/202508/22/2025•0

7 Surprising Truths When Celebrities Talk About Chronic Illness That Everyday Spoonies Know Too Well

When Celebrities Talk About Chronic Illness, Don’t Forget About Everyday Spoonies When celebrities talk about chronic illness, headlines follow. Social media buzzes. Interviews go viral. For a brief moment, the world listens. But as the attention fades, what remains for the millions of people who live daily with invisible conditions? These individuals, known lovingly in the chronic illness community as “spoonies,” are often left behind in the narrative, quietly managing symptoms, navigating medical systems, and…

by chronicillness•05/04/202508/22/2025•0

10 Eye-Opening Lessons I Learned When My Mother-in-Law Said, ‘I Hope You Feel Better Soon’

What I Realized When My Mother-in-Law Said, “I Hope You Feel Better Soon” There are some phrases that float past us so often they become background noise. “Take care.” “Feel better.” “Let me know if you need anything.” But every so often, one of these phrases lands with weight. That’s what happened when my mother-in-law quietly said, “I hope you feel better soon.” It was a simple statement, but it revealed far more than sympathy.…

by chronicillness•05/04/202508/22/2025•0

Knowing When to Walk Away: The Hard Truth About Breaking Up With Your Doctor

When It’s Time to ‘Break Up’ With Your Doctor In theory, your doctor should be your partner in health—someone who listens, respects, and supports your journey toward wellness. But in reality, not all doctor-patient relationships work out the way they should. Sometimes, despite years of visits and trust, the relationship no longer serves your needs. And just like any other relationship, there may come a time when you have to walk away. Breaking up with…

by chronicillness•05/04/202508/22/2025•0

The Unspoken Weight of Wearing My Disability Blue Badge on the Train

How It Feels to Wear My Disability Blue Badge on the Train When I board a train wearing my disability blue badge, I’m not just carrying a plastic card or lanyard. I’m carrying the invisible weight of judgment, assumptions, and sometimes even shame. That small symbol, intended to offer support and recognition, can feel more like a spotlight than a shield. And yet, I wear it—because I have to. Disability, especially when it’s invisible, invites…

by chronicillness•05/04/202508/22/2025•0

Shedding Light on Fibromyalgia and Neuroinflammation: A New Understanding of Chronic Pain

Introduction: The Hidden Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Neuroinflammation Fibromyalgia has long been classified as a chronic pain disorder, but new research suggests that its origins may lie in the brain and immune system rather than the muscles and joints. One emerging theory points to neuroinflammation, a condition where the brain and nervous system become inflamed, potentially leading to amplified pain signals, fatigue, and cognitive issues. Understanding the role of neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia could transform treatment…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/30/202508/22/2025•0

Dysautonomia Syndrome in People with Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Hidden Connection

Introduction Fibromyalgia is widely recognized as a chronic pain disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. However, many individuals with fibromyalgia also experience unexplained symptoms like dizziness, irregular heartbeat, temperature sensitivity, and digestive issues. These symptoms often point to a coexisting condition known as dysautonomia syndrome, a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Dysautonomia impacts the body’s ability to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature, creating a complex and often debilitating overlap…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/22/202508/22/2025•0

How to Control Pain Mentally in Fibromyalgia: Effective Mind-Body Strategies

Introduction Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. While medications and physical treatments can help, mental strategies play a powerful role in controlling fibromyalgia pain. Many patients find that stress, anxiety, and negative emotions can worsen their symptoms, while relaxation and mindfulness techniques can provide relief. In this article, we explore how to control pain mentally in fibromyalgia, covering various mind-body techniques that can help retrain the brain to…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/15/202508/22/2025•0

Stress Management vs Fibromyalgia: Finding Balance for a Better Life

Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, is often exacerbated by stress. The relationship between stress and fibromyalgia is deeply interconnected, with each factor influencing the other in a challenging cycle. Effective stress management is not only a helpful tool for reducing fibromyalgia symptoms but also a cornerstone of overall well-being. In this article, we explore the link between stress and fibromyalgia, highlight the effects of stress on symptoms, and…

by Dr Alex Robber•03/15/202508/22/2025•0