EP034: Living with Fibromyalgia with Laura Bounford

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the central nervous system, the most common symptoms are chronic pain and fatigue. The condition is very common and estimated that 1 in 20 people in the UK may be affected by Fibromyalgia as not everyone who has it, is diagnosed and because the symptoms vary greatly from person to person.

80 to 90% of people diagnosed are women although it does affect men and children too. There is no one main cause for this condition, like similar conditions, but can be caused by genes, injury or trauma.

Dealing with the symptoms of conditions and diseases like Fibromyalgia can lead to depression and also low levels of certain hormones and dopamine associated with the disease can also make sufferers prone to depression.

Laura who's been a guest on the Happiness Hub before kindly agreed to come on the podcast again and talk in-depth about her experience of living with Fibromyalgia, after being diagnosed at 23 having lived with the condition for 9 years.

Laura talks about how frustrating it was trying to get a diagnosis and having to convince friends, family and health care professionals that there was something wrong with her and it wasn't all in her head.

Listen in to find out Laura's top tips and how she deals day to day with the condition and what helps her manage her symptoms and her mental health.

You can find out more about the condition and where to get help at Fibromyalgia Action UK and UK Fibromyalgia if you need some help and support.

We're also looking for guests to share their own stories, so if you'd like to be a guest please get in touch and complete our guest request form and Liz or Keds will be in touch.

Come join us on our closed Happiness Hub Facebook group for news on future Happiness Hub events and news and visit our Happiness Hub website for more information about our 6-week wellness programme the Happy Appy.