**Living with Fibromyalgia: The Pain You Don’t See**
September is Chronic Illness Awareness Month, a time to amplify the voices of those affected by conditions that often remain invisible. For me, that condition is fibromyalgia.
Invisible in Fibro - (Painted by Ayesha Robins)
Fibromyalgia is more than just “widespread pain.” It comes with fatigue that isn’t alleviated by sleep. It brings “fibro fog,” where words and thoughts slip away like mist. It’s like carrying an invisible weight while trying to appear fine on the outside. It’s living in a body that feels like it’s cracking under pressure, even if no one else can see the fractures.
I created the artwork accompanying this post to convey what words sometimes cannot. The cracks across the figure’s body symbolise pain—not always sharp or constant, but always present. The glow within those cracks illustrates how that pain can burn, sometimes feeling raw and overwhelming. The posture—curled inward—reflects the isolation that often accompanies chronic illness. Because the hardest part isn’t always the pain; it’s the loneliness, the missed plans, and the feeling of being forgotten.
Fibromyalgia affects millions of people worldwide, yet it remains misunderstood. It doesn’t show up on medical scans, and it often takes years to receive a proper diagnosis. Too many individuals are told that it’s “all in their head.” That dismissal is another kind of wound.
Awareness matters. Not because I seek pity, but because recognition can change everything. When people understand that invisible illnesses are real, compassion follows. Support grows, research advances, and stigma fades.
Living with fibromyalgia has taught me lessons I never asked for: patience, resilience, and the ability to celebrate small victories. But it has also highlighted the importance of community. When I share my story and create art about the invisible, I connect with others who say, "me too." In those moments, the isolation doesn’t fracture into pain; it transforms into light.
This month, I want to remind anyone living with a chronic illness: you are not alone. Your struggle is real, your strength is valid, and your voice matters.
**Finding Support**
Living with a chronic illness can feel incredibly isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re seeking practical advice, a listening ear, or simply the reassurance that others understand, some communities and organisations can help. Here are some gentle places to start:
- **Fibromyalgia Action UK (FMA UK)** – A national charity providing information, awareness campaigns, and local support groups.
- **Fibromyalgia Support Group UK** – A friendly community for individuals with fibromyalgia and their carers.
- **NHS Fibromyalgia Self-Help** – Offers practical advice on managing symptoms, lifestyle adjustments, and treatment options.
- **Pain Concern** – A charity supporting anyone living with chronic pain, featuring a helpline and peer support.
- **Chronic Illness Inclusion** – Advocacy and research for individuals with energy-limiting chronic illnesses.
- **The Wren Project** – Provides free listening support for people with autoimmune and chronic conditions to combat isolation.
- **Action for ME** – Focused on ME/CFS but offers resources relevant to other fatigue-related conditions.
Reaching out doesn’t make you weak—it’s part of surviving and, sometimes, thriving with a chronic illness. Even on the hardest days, there are people and organisations ready to walk alongside you.
If you’ve found this post meaningful, please consider sharing it. Awareness grows stronger when we speak together, and every voice makes a difference.