Hi all,
Hoping to find fellow graduate or professional students with similar experiences to mine. I am in my third year of a psychology PhD program and working to be a licensed psychologist. I have had symptoms of fibromyalgia for at least 7 years but didn't get diagnosed until about two months ago. Over the past few years my symptoms have been getting worse and worse - I think due to the stress of being in graduate school. I am trying to listen to my body and take more breaks to care for myself. The pain and fatigue get so bad when my stress increases and I have no motivation to do anything. I have been sleeping for longer periods, taking midday breaks, and trying to not take on as much as I normally do. This has been extremely difficult for me as I've always been the type of person to take on as much as possible and still get it all done. I can't do that anymore though. It's been difficult because I compare myself to others who are constantly working and making accomplishments that I just don't have enough time for because I am now prioritizing my health. There is also significant judgement from both students and faculty in my program when you take breaks, have hobbies, or do literally anything not related to pursuing a PhD. I feel constantly judged when others around me are working or making accomplishments and I am resting. Most people know that I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia but I don't think a lot of people know what it means. I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and can commiserate, offer advice, or just literally anything. Overall, I am in a much better place since I received a diagnosis and know the symptoms are not my fault. I'm just trying to get to an even better physical and mental place
Hoping to find fellow graduate or professional students with similar experiences to mine. I am in my third year of a psychology PhD program and working to be a licensed psychologist. I have had symptoms of fibromyalgia for at least 7 years but didn't get diagnosed until about two months ago. Over the past few years my symptoms have been getting worse and worse - I think due to the stress of being in graduate school. I am trying to listen to my body and take more breaks to care for myself. The pain and fatigue get so bad when my stress increases and I have no motivation to do anything. I have been sleeping for longer periods, taking midday breaks, and trying to not take on as much as I normally do. This has been extremely difficult for me as I've always been the type of person to take on as much as possible and still get it all done. I can't do that anymore though. It's been difficult because I compare myself to others who are constantly working and making accomplishments that I just don't have enough time for because I am now prioritizing my health. There is also significant judgement from both students and faculty in my program when you take breaks, have hobbies, or do literally anything not related to pursuing a PhD. I feel constantly judged when others around me are working or making accomplishments and I am resting. Most people know that I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia but I don't think a lot of people know what it means. I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and can commiserate, offer advice, or just literally anything. Overall, I am in a much better place since I received a diagnosis and know the symptoms are not my fault. I'm just trying to get to an even better physical and mental place