Stimuli and Fibromyalgia Pain in the Formerly Abused

Five Fibromyalgia Latent Pain Triggers

Attempting to perform daily living activities despite the debilitating pain from Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a tremendous challenge. However, adults with Fibromyalgia, who experienced an abusive childhood, are dually challenged because external stimuli can trigger pain memories to the point that they must again function in a survival mode.

People who were severely abused a prolonged period of time, are actually abused again, because of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Certain stimuli produce recurrent and consistent memories of abuse, causing the person to believe the battering, belittling, and beatings are happening now.

As an adult with Fibromyalgia Syndrome, here are little-known triggers of heightened pain that I (and perhaps you) have experienced, as a result of childhood abuse.

1. Witnessing arguments in a public place. The mysterious mind goes into the "fight or flight" mode when observing this visual and auditory prompt of painful memories. Shouting was belittling and followed by beatings. Affirmations may help during these stressful situations such as, "I am a worthwhile person." "I am safe now." As a final resort, I have left some high class restaurants half-way through a meal.

2. Delivery people. Bring on a latent fear of broken things. As a child broken things earned a body that felt broken itself. Choices are to face the fear or schedule appointments when someone else is home.

3. Movies focusing on rape or abuse. The terror of having lived through similar situations causes me to grip the arm of my chair and prolonged tension brings on a stomachache. With several calming breaths, the choice here is to endure or leave.

4. News stories. Empathetic pain sets-in and hypersensitivity relating to other peoples tragedy brings out latent emotions - especially when people are tortured or facing natural disasters, such as tornados. Positive self-talk and a knowing I can't change the outcome of what has already happened serves somewhat. The only sure-fix is changing the channel.