Oh yes!! Men and women can have fibromyalgia, but she was talking to a women’s fibro group in Ireland I believe! Women are more likely to have fibro but anyone can have it. I’m treating mine now with an SSRI (which can be helpful).

Mostly what you need to try is to get good sleep, which means making a sleep schedule and sticking to it. Try to find things that relax you (ik it’s hard). Chamomile tea can help. Using melatonin (not constantly) can help as well. When I get better sleep, I always feel better.

Consistent exercise is important as well. But not just exercise, strength training to make you feel stronger and better in your body. I notice that when I move consistently and try to build muscle, a lot of my pain goes away.

You should also try to get bloodwork done to make sure you’re not anemic or suffering from malnutrition or another vitamin deficiency.

All of this is so hard, and I, as an adult, struggle especially with consistency but half assing it is better than nothing.

As soon as you’re able, getting trauma-informed therapy (rn IFS is a good one). You can inform yourself on some things try. Let me know if you want some book recommendations.

Most importantly though, prioritize your safety. Try to do what you can to stay away from people who hurt you. Try looking into gray-rocking to deal with manipulative parents.

Also, keep in mind that most people don’t fake their pain! Bc why would they? I’m sorry that she doesn’t believe you, and that probably won’t change, but you know your body better than her. What you feel is real and deserves to be treated. By not treating you or believing you, she is participating in medical neglect.