Fibromyalgia and “unexpressed emotions”: what’s actually known
The phrase “fibromyalgia: the disease of unexpressed emotions” is not a medical diagnosis or an established scientific explanation for fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a real, chronic condition characterized mainly by widespread pain, increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and sometimes cognitive difficulties (“fibro fog”). Researchers don’t yet know its exact cause, but altered pain processing in the nervous system and genetic and environmental factors appear to play roles.
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Where do emotions fit in?
There is a legitimate connection between psychological stress and fibromyalgia, but it’s different from saying that “unexpressed emotions cause it.”
Significant physical or emotional stress can sometimes trigger fibromyalgia.
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Stress can worsen existing symptoms or trigger flares.
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Anxiety, depression and chronic stress can interact with sleep and pain, creating a cycle in which poor sleep and emotional distress make pain harder to manage.
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Royal United Hospitals Bath
But many people develop fibromyalgia without an identifiable emotional trauma or psychological trigger.
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So it would be unfair—and medically inaccurate—to tell someone with fibromyalgia that their illness is simply caused by anger, grief, suppressed feelings, or failure to express emotions.
What actually helps?
Treatment is usually individualized and may include appropriately paced physical activity, sleep improvement, psychological/behavioral therapies, relaxation or stress-management techniques, and medications when appropriate.
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Bottom line: emotions and stress can influence fibromyalgia, but fibromyalgia is not simply a disease of “unexpressed emotions.” The underlying biology is more complicated, and the physical symptoms are real.
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