There's no question that fibromyalgia is painful. But many experts also believe there's an emotional component to this disorder that can increase the discomfort and fatigue.

Distressed people, like those living with fibromyalgia, are more sensitive to pain. This can actually lead to a vicious cycle: Pain causes distress, and distress reinforces the disease that causes the pain. In turn, finding ways to boost your emotional health may help ease your physical pain, too.

"When people are depressed in the present, it's a predictor of more pain in the future," says John Fry, PhD, a psychologist in Newport Beach, Calif., and board member of the National Fibromyalgia Association. "Anxiety in the present also is a predictor of more pain in the future. If a person focuses on pain being delivered to them, it actually increases the nerve conductance of the pain. So having other interests is very important. "

There are a number of self-help activities and strategies that fibromyalgia patients can use to distract themselves from their chronic pain. By giving an outlet to your emotions, you should be better able to deal with your physical symptoms.

Self-Help Strategies for Fibromyalgia Pain

Try these ideas to help lift your spirits:

