You are not alone

This is a space for people who understand — because they are living it too. Read stories from our community, and find ways to connect with others who get it.

Stories from our community

Real experiences, shared with honesty and courage.

For years I thought I was going mad. The pain was real, the exhaustion was real, but nobody could explain it. Finding this community was the first time I felt truly believed.

Rachel, 41

Leeds · Diagnosed 6 years ago

I was diagnosed after nearly four years of appointments, referrals, and being told my bloods were normal. When I finally got the word fibromyalgia, I cried — not from sadness, but relief. I had a name for it. I found FibroSupport UK a few months later and it changed everything. I stopped feeling like I had to justify myself.

Men don't talk about chronic pain. I didn't, for years. Coming here and reading other people's stories gave me permission to be honest about how hard it really is.

David, 55

Bristol · Diagnosed 11 years ago

I spent a long time pretending I was fine. Fibromyalgia is invisible, and I felt pressure to keep up appearances at work, with friends, with my family. It was exhausting in a way that went beyond the condition itself. Connecting with others — especially other men who rarely speak about this — helped me stop performing and start managing.

I was newly diagnosed and completely overwhelmed. I didn't know where to start. This community helped me find my footing when everything felt uncertain.

Priya, 34

Birmingham · Diagnosed 2 years ago

The first few months after diagnosis were the hardest. I had a name for what I was experiencing, but no roadmap. I found the resources here invaluable, but it was the community — the real people sharing real experiences — that helped me feel less frightened. I am still learning, but I no longer feel alone in it.

Find your people

Connection matters. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing fibromyalgia for years, there are people and spaces that can help.

Local support groups

Fibromyalgia Action UK maintains a directory of local support groups across the UK. Meeting others in person — or virtually — can make a significant difference.

Find a group near you

Online communities

The UK Fibromyalgia forums are active, welcoming, and moderated. A good place to ask questions, share experiences, and find people who understand.

Visit the forums

FMA UK helpline

Fibromyalgia Action UK runs a free helpline staffed by trained volunteers, many of whom have personal experience of fibromyalgia.

Contact the helpline

Share your story

Your experience matters. If you would like to share your story with the FibroSupport UK community, we would love to hear from you.

Get in touch

Every story shared here makes the next person feel less alone. Thank you for being part of this community.

FibroSupport UK

A safe, compassionate space for those living with fibromyalgia — because you deserve to feel understood.

Support

If you are in crisis, please contact:

Samaritans: 116 123

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

© 2026 FibroSupport UK. All rights reserved.

You are not alone. You are believed.