Support • Understanding • Hope

Living with a complex chronic illness can be challenging, but you don't have to navigate that journey alone.

This page has been created as a welcoming place where women, men, families and carers can access trusted information, practical resources and supportive links relating to Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, Chronic Pain, Chronic Stress and other complex chronic illnesses.

As someone living with Fibromyalgia, Complex Chronic Illness myself, I understand that every person's experience is unique.

My hope is that this page provides reliable information, encouragement and helpful resources while raising awareness of invisible illnesses.

What Can a Fibromyalgia Flare Feel Like?

For many people, a fibromyalgia flare can feel as though the entire body has been hit by a train, then reversed over a few more times. The pain can be widespread, relentless and exhausting, making even the simplest daily tasks feel overwhelming.

When a flare is accompanied by a Chronic Fatigue crash, the experience can become even more challenging. Pain, overwhelming exhaustion, brain fog, sleep disturbances, balance issues and heightened sensitivity can all occur together, leaving you wondering if life will ever return to normal.

Even the smallest bump or knock can feel surprisingly painful. Concentrating becomes difficult, words can disappear mid-sentence, and maintaining balance may require extra effort. Yet, because these illnesses are largely invisible, those around you may have no idea what you're coping with.

Despite all of this, life continues. The house still needs cleaning, groceries still need buying, appointments still need attending, and for many people, simply getting behind the wheel of a car takes tremendous courage and determination.

Living with a complex chronic illness requires a quiet strength that often goes unseen. Every day becomes a choice to keep moving forward, even when your body is asking you to stop.

Information & Support

This page is being created to bring together helpful, trustworthy information for people living with Fibromyalgia and Complex Chronic Illness, as well as for the families and friends who support them.

Over time, we will continue to add links to reliable resources, educational articles, and the latest research from respected organisations and medical studies. Our goal is to make it easier to find practical information all in one place.

While New Zealand does not currently have a dedicated national Fibromyalgia Foundation, there are several organisations providing valuable support and education. We encourage you to explore these trusted resources:

• Arthritis New Zealand's Fibromyalgia Information, which offers practical information, symptom management advice, and support for people living with fibromyalgia.

• Complex Chronic Illness Support (CCI Support NZ), a New Zealand not-for-profit organisation supporting people living with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, Long COVID, POTS and other complex chronic conditions through education, advocacy, navigation and community support.

As this community grows, we also hope to offer meaningful ways for people to show support and help raise awareness.

Our Purple Butterfly Fibromyalgia Suncatchers, awareness pins and carefully selected accessories have been chosen as small symbols of hope, strength and understanding. They are designed to remind those living with invisible illness that they are seen, valued and never alone.