Tell someone when you're having a difficult day

You might be tempted to keep it to yourself, but resist that urge. While some alone-time is a good way to relax, isolating yourself for days can end up making you feel lonely. Tell an understanding friend or family member that you're feeling frustrated or overwhelmed — but don't dwell on your signs and symptoms.

In-person or online support groups can link you to people who also are dealing with fibromyalgia. In addition to the comfort of talking with people who are facing the same types of challenges, members often share coping techniques that might work for you too.

Try to avoid support groups that focus solely on challenges and limitations. It's much more helpful to find a group of people who focus on what they're able to do and share encouraging stories about techniques they've used to help them manage their pain flares.