It's completely normal to feel fearful and anxious in the face of a chronic condition that fluctuates. You may be wondering if you'll ever be well again. The possibility that you won't recover can make you extremely frightened about your future. You may fear losing your job, your friends, your family, or your lifestyle.

But too much fear can worsen your symptoms. It can cause muscle tension, stomach pain, and a racing heart. In turn, you may notice that your pain is worse and that getting sleep is even more difficult. The resulting fatigue will only exacerbate your symptoms. If your fears become overwhelming, they can put you on edge even on days when you feel good. You may routinely feel helpless and unable to control your fibro.

Fear can become a vicious cycle. The more you worry, the more you find to worry about, and the more little problems escalate into big problems. The fear then builds, causing stress that only makes your fibromyalgia worse. Taming your fear is important. Here are some suggestions from the website CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help:

• Solve your problems. If it's a practical matter that has you anxious, solving it can reduce your worry and boost your confidence.

• Practice stress reduction. Taking action against stress can create a calming effect that silences your worrying, too.

• Change your thinking. Rather than think in catastrophic terms, like, “I'll never get through this,” tell yourself things like, “This is not as bad as it seems.”

• Connect with others. Whether it's volunteer work or taking a class, getting involved in something larger than yourself counteracts and distracts you from your own worries.

• Exercise. Not only is activity good for your body, but it is also relaxing and distracting.

• Do something pleasurable. Read a good book, listen to music, or call a friend. Enjoyable activities can help change your mood and shift your focus.

• Share your worries. Discuss your concerns with a trusted friend or relative. It will make your worries less scary.

If fear and anxiety begin to take over your life, get professional help. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medications to help reduce your anxiety.