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MistyMagic profile picture
Pain? P A I N? PAIN!PAIN!PAIN!PAIN?
by MistyMagic
Last post
 6 hours ago
...See more February brings the start of the Disability Support Community focus on Pain! We all get pain. Some of us get pain sometimes. Some of us get pain most of the time. Some of us get pain all of the time! So whatever your thoughts on pain, or level of daily pain, or threshold of pain (and we will talk more about that later on) read on and let's find out more about pain together! This will be part of the 'Pain Cafe' series that will include open chats in the 'Disability Support' [https://www.7cups.com/chat/?c=2_b0dd39dc0ad3f07akKj6u2oym2BA4i8pC6eGFA] room, as well as hosted discussions (hosts wanted! message me!) [https://www.7cups.com/@MistyMagic] that will be advertised in this thread so please reply if you want to be tagged about future posts, and discussions in this series. The 'Pain Cafe’ is somewhere informal that is a safe space for us to learn and share together. We can come together and have a coffee, tea, or juice, and choose our favourite cake or cookie too! With the bonus of no calories or crumbs! First let's spend a little time discussing “What Is Pain?” Pain is weird, right? It’s both a physical and emotional experience, sometimes sharp and immediate, other times dull and lingering. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right,” whether that’s a stubbed toe, a heartbreak, or even stress manifesting as a headache. But pain isn’t just about suffering—it’s also a teacher. It tells you where your limits are, forces you to pay attention, and even helps you grow. Ever notice how people who’ve been through tough times often have a deeper sense of empathy? Pain shapes you, for better or worse. And then there’s the strange part—how pain can sometimes be subjective. Two people can experience the same injury but react completely differently. Some folks push through insane amounts of pain (think athletes or soldiers), while others feel every tiny discomfort intensely. It’s all about perception, past experiences, and even brain chemistry. Oh, and let’s not forget the bizarre cases where pain doesn’t work the way it’s “supposed to.” Like phantom limb pain - when someone loses a limb but still feels sensations where it used to be. Or chronic pain, which can be where your body keeps sounding the alarm even when there’s no real injury. Or chronic pain, long-term pain from constant re-injury or inflammation. At the end of the day, pain is just part of being human. It sucks, sure, but it also reminds us we’re alive. If pain is a warning signal, listen to it and allow healing. If pain is chronic or misleading, it can be important to retrain the brain and nervous system to stop overreacting. Learning to recognize the difference allows for better pain management and quality of life. Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience that signals potential or actual harm to the body. It’s essentially the body's warning system, alerting you to injury, illness, or danger. Pain can be categorized in different ways, such as: * Acute pain – Short-term, typically caused by injury or illness (e.g., a cut, burn, or broken bone). * Chronic pain – Long-lasting pain (lasting more than three months) that can sometimes persist even after the initial injury has healed (e.g., arthritis, nerve damage). * Neuropathic pain – Pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction rather than an obvious physical injury (e.g., sciatica, phantom limb pain). How Does the Brain Perceive Pain? The perception of pain involves a complex process that includes sensory input, nerve signaling, and brain interpretation. Here’s how it works: * Detection (Nociception): Specialized nerve endings called nociceptors detect harmful stimuli (heat, pressure, chemicals, or injury). These receptors are located in the skin, muscles, joints, and organs. * Transmission: The nociceptors send electrical signals through sensory neurons to the spinal cord. From there, the signals travel up to the brainstem and thalamus, which act as relay centres. * Processing in the Brain: The thalamus sends the pain signals to different brain regions: * Somatosensory Cortex: Determines the location and intensity of pain. * Limbic System: Processes the emotional aspects of pain. * Prefrontal Cortex: Helps with decision-making and how to react to the pain. Pain Perception: Your brain interprets the signals as pain and decides how to respond—whether to move away, seek help, or endure it (we all know that feeling don't we?) Modulation: The brain can amplify or suppress pain using neurotransmitters like endorphins (natural painkillers) and serotonin. This explains why adrenaline can make you temporarily "ignore" pain in emergencies. Why Does Pain Feel Different for Everyone? Pain perception varies based on: * Genetics & Biology (Some people have a higher pain threshold). * Psychological State (Stress and anxiety can heighten pain). * Past Experiences (Chronic pain sufferers often have altered nerve responses). Pain isn’t just a physical sensation—it’s also influenced by mood, expectations, and memory. This is why two people can have the same injury but experience pain differently. Over to you! Q. What do you think— is pain a necessary evil, a friend, or just a glitch in evolution? Q. Do you have pain? How would you describe it? Sharp, Hot? Stabbing? Dull? Share with us. Q. Tag someone that you think might be interested in joining in with our 'Pain Cafe' and the series of forum posts here too!
MistyMagic profile picture
Boom! or Bust! All about pacing . . .
by MistyMagic
Last post
 6 hours ago
...See more This post is part of our new series on  ⚡P A I N !💥 All About. . . Boom!⬆️ Bust 🔽 and Pacing 🟰 The concept of "boom-bust" and “pacing” particularly in the context of disabilities, refers to a pattern of energy expenditure characterized by alternating periods of high activity or productivity ("boom") and subsequent periods of low energy, exhaustion, or rest ("bust"). This approach is often employed by individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or conditions that cause fluctuations in energy levels, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or certain types of disabilities affecting energy levels. How often have you started out at the beginning of an activity or project full of energy (Boom) racing along only to begin feeling tired, but still you carry on because you don’t want to stop, or you just want to finish what you are doing, and then the next day you are so very tired and in pain or exhausted and cannot do anything (Busted) and the recovery takes a few days or even longer? Here's a breakdown of the “boom-bust” and “pacing” approach and its implications for individuals with disabilities: Understanding Energy Levels: Boom-bust pacing recognizes that individuals with disabilities often have limited energy reserves, which can fluctuate from day to day or even within the same day. It emphasizes the importance of being attuned to one's own energy levels and learning to manage them effectively. Managing Activities: Rather than trying to maintain a constant level of activity throughout the day, boom-bust pacing involves identifying periods of higher energy (boom) and using them for more demanding tasks or activities, while conserving energy during periods of lower energy (bust) through rest or less demanding activities. Prioritizing Tasks: Individuals practicing boom-bust pacing often prioritize tasks based on their energy levels. Important or demanding tasks are tackled during periods of higher energy, while less critical tasks may be deferred to periods of lower energy. Ask yourself these questions and think about your answers, then jot them down so that you have a list of your priorities, you can add them in your reply to this post. * What is important? - read all the points below before deciding! * What MUST I do? * What do I want to do? * What do others want me to do? * What am I expected to do? (may include deadlines) * What can I do? Avoiding Overexertion: By pacing activities and balancing periods of activity with rest, individuals can reduce the risk of overexertion, which can exacerbate symptoms or lead to "crashes" where energy levels plummet (bust), sometimes for an extended period as the recovery needed after a “boom” can be extensive and disproportionate to the gain. Examples:  You may want to finish weeding a flower border and do it all in one afternoon, the flower border looks great but you end up exhausted in bed for 3 days. If you had spread it over 2 afternoons then you would not end up exhausted. You have an important exam next week, so you stay up all night studying. The next day you cannot get out of bed because of the body aches and exhaustion. If you had split the studying into short periods then you would not have crashed so badly and could have revised for a few hours every day.  Remember to STOP BEFORE the pain is too bad or STOP BEFORE you feel exhausted, that way the rebound to recovery is faster, and smoother, and repeatable. Take a look at https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/ [https://www.pomodorotechnique.com/]  splitting studying or any task into shorter periods. The original technique has six steps: * Decide on the task to be done. * Set the Pomodoro timer (typically for 25 minutes). * Work on the task. * End work when the timer rings and take a short break (typically 5–10 minutes). * Go back to Step 2 and repeat until you complete four pomodoros. * After four pomodoros are done, take a long break (typically 20 to 30 minutes) instead of a short break. Once the long break is finished, return to step 2. ( a pomodoro is an interval of work time). Also the Spoon Theory [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/SpooniesandDropitlikeitsPOTSshirts_20186/] 🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄 and Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/BoomorBustAllaboutpacing_327034/] Flexibility and Adaptability: Boom-bust pacing requires flexibility and adaptability, as energy levels can vary unpredictably. It's important for individuals to listen to their bodies, adjust their plans as needed, and never feel guilty for needing to rest or modify their activities. Communication and Advocacy: In work or social settings, it's essential for individuals practicing boom-bust pacing to communicate their needs effectively and advocate for accommodations or adjustments when necessary. This might involve explaining their pacing approach to employers, colleagues, or friends and asking for understanding and support. Self-Care and Wellness: Boom-bust pacing is ultimately about self-care and managing one's health effectively. It involves not only managing physical energy but also attending to emotional and mental well-being, recognizing the importance of rest, relaxation, and activities that bring satisfaction, happiness, and joy. Overall, boom-bust pacing can be a valuable strategy for anyone, but more so for individuals with disabilities to manage their energy levels and navigate daily life more effectively. By learning to listen to their bodies, prioritize tasks, balance activity with rest ie: pacing themselves, individuals can optimize their functioning and improve their quality of life despite the challenges posed by their disabilities. Chronic Pain Resources  Here Living with Chronic pain Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/AFewTipsonHowToLearnToLiveWithPainbyDrCherylAMacDonald_23694/] More on Pacing Here [https://www.cfsselfhelp.org/library/pacing-numbers-using-your-heart-rate-to-stay-inside-energy-envelope] Q [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/AFewTipsonHowToLearnToLiveWithPainbyDrCherylAMacDonald_23694/]uestions to ask yourself, please reply below! * Do you recognize yourself as a ‘boom-bust’ or ‘pacing’ individual? * Have you ever used this method? If you haven’t will you try it in the future? If not why not? If you do does it help? * Can you remember one time when you carried on when you should have stopped and rested? What happened? * Do you have tips to share with us, please do! Consider joining the Disability Community Support Team. More information Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/JoinTheDisabilitySupportCommunityTeam_325009/] Tag list @777Bre777 @adaptableOcean4193 @adaptablePomegranate1587 @adequatelyInadequate @adventurousBranch3786 @AffyAvo @agreeableTurtle1021 @AguaNector6700 @amusingTalker1267 @Aqua1494 @Arsalanahmed @Ashleylovescats @AttentiveEar @audienta @AutiBoy @Averayne93 @azuladragon34 @BacktotheTrail @BeyondTheInvisible @BlindGrapefruit @blissfulTouch29 @Bndonovan02 @bouncyBreeze44 @bouncyVoice4149 @Breezy2013 @CaringBrit @CheeryPotato @CheerySandi @ChildGoddessFlute @Chloe1644 @cinnamoncocoa @CocoaCassie @Colorfulcatsofhope @considerateBunny7436 @Countrygirl095 @crystallizedrequiem @Daisy7cups @DichotomousDetia @disneymoonlight @Disneywoman @DoISayIt @DonaldK @DylanMark @Edobre399 @Emiliako @emotionalTalker2260 @enthusiasticOwl866 @enthusiasticTortoise6681 @fairmindedWater1140 @Fireskye13 @FrenchMarbles @friendlyEars8792 @goldenSpruce1512 @IcedCoffee211109 @IndigoWhisper @InfiniteThoughts2k19 @Jamesjones10123 @Jewels012222 @jovialButterfly6752 @JoyfulUnicorn @JoyIntoDarkness @K87 @kenzixo @killaj0ule @Kittibear @KuhnDisabled101 @kwheelz @lightTriangle7748 @LikeABirdWithoutWings @lovelycoacoa @lovelySun2900 @LoveMyRotty @magnifiedfaith @ManinblacK @MartianGirl347 @MeaningfulSilence @Meowsicle @MistyMagic @mnhtx3 @modestHickory2783 @modestOcean1286 @moosprbrk @MyNameIsNicole @NaomiR @NevaehRose @NotKhan2 @NovaIsNB @OneErased @PerfectHarmony10 @philosophicalAcai7803 @pinkbunnywabbit @Pixiechu @placidMoth @Plantsaremybestfriends @Poppia @PotFullOfSky2020 @rainbowVibes @Raysofsunshineandrainbow2005 @redGrapes1822 @Redheadmadeofglitter94 @repen13 @reservedCat9143 @RiggsMortis @sabeyesofblue3535 @Seachele @SmolBurrahobbit12 @SparklyCat @specialPurple1582 @StarsOrchidsOwls @stuffiessytem @sunshinegiraffe123 @tearstruck @theboymoana @TimidBear @TomatoEmi @turquoiseHemlock900 @u2canwin @wahmbrenda @Walker7957 @WeedyGarden @wishfulWillow6962 @WishUponAStar968 @wonderfulRainbow817 @xandia @Xisle @Zed786 Add or Remove yourself in this thread HERE [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/WeeklyCheckin_1053/2024TaglistDisabilitySupport_202464/] See more on pain here Pain Cafe Serie [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/PainPAINPAINPAINPAINPAIN_345746/]s 
CaringBrit profile picture
2024 - Taglist Disability Support
by CaringBrit
Last post
 2 days ago
...See more This thread controls an auto-updating tag list. To see the current list, go to Disability Support [https://rarelycharlie.github.io/taglist?3ec913e645043cdcd31f94a3324ab37c]. To add yourself to this tag list, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words Please add me. To remove yourself from this tag list, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words, Please remove me. This Taglist will be used for the Daily Check-Ins could even be used for Events etc. What happens after you join the tag list? You will notice an icon for a little bell up in the right corner of your screen. there is a letter icon, then the bell, then a jar, and then the icon for your account. That bell will tell you about your notifications. When we tag you, it will show up as a number on the bell. Click on the bell and a drop-down menu will appear and it will show you the link to the post where we tagged you. Current taglist as at  Feb 1st 2025 @777Bre777 @adaptableOcean4193 @adaptablePomegranate1587 @adequatelyInadequate @adventurousBranch3786 @AffyAvo @agreeableTurtle1021 @AguaNector6700 @amusingTalker1267 @Aqua1494 @Arsalanahmed @Ashleylovescats @AttentiveEar @audienta @AutiBoy @Averayne93 @azuladragon34 @BacktotheTrail @BeyondTheInvisible @BlindGrapefruit @blissfulTouch29 @Bndonovan02 @bouncyBreeze44 @bouncyVoice4149 @Breezy2013 @cal1860 @CaringBrit @CheeryPotato @CheerySandi @ChildGoddessFlute @Chloe1644 @cinnamoncocoa @CocoaCassie @Colorfulcatsofhope @communicativePond1728 @CompassionateMoon4024 @considerateBunny7436 @Countrygirl095 @crystallizedrequiem @Daisy7cups @DichotomousDetia @disneymoonlight @Disneywoman @DoISayIt @DonaldK @DylanMark @Edobre399 @Emiliako @emotionalTalker2260 @enigmaticOcean8813 @enthusiasticOwl866 @enthusiasticTortoise6681 @fairmindedWater1140 @Fireskye13 @FrenchMarbles @friendlyEars8792 @goldenSpruce1512 @greekcatperson @IcedCoffee211109 @IndigoWhisper @InfiniteThoughts2k19 @Jamesjones10123 @Jewels012222 @jovialButterfly6752 @JoyfulUnicorn @JoyIntoDarkness @JustLikeMellie @K87 @kenzixo @killaj0ule @Kittibear @KuhnDisabled101 @kwheelz @lightTriangle7748 @LikeABirdWithoutWings @lovelycoacoa @lovelySun2900 @LoveMyRotty @magnifiedfaith @ManinblacK @MartianGirl347 @MeaningfulSilence @Meowsicle @MistyMagic @mnhtx3 @modestHickory2783 @modestOcean1286 @moosprbrk @MyNameIsNicole @NaomiR @nessdamess @NevaehRose @NotKhan2 @Ofenkartoffel @OneErased @PerfectHarmony10 @philosophicalAcai7803 @pinkbunnywabbit @Pixiechu @placidMoth @Plantsaremybestfriends @Poppia @PotFullOfSky2020 @rainbowVibes @Raysofsunshineandrainbow2005 @redGrapes1822 @Redheadmadeofglitter94 @repen13 @reservedCat9143 @reservedOwl6476 @RiggsMortis @sabeyesofblue3535 @Seachele @SereneEnergy9119 @SmolBurrahobbit12 @SparklyCat @specialPurple1582 @StarsOrchidsOwls @stuffiessytem @sunshinegiraffe123 @tearstruck @theboymoana @TimidBear @TomatoEmi @turquoiseHemlock900 @u2canwin @wahmbrenda @Walker7957 @WeedyGarden @WishUponAStar968 @wonderfulRainbow817 @xandia @xxParkerxx @Zed786 Updated by MistyMagic
CaringBrit profile picture
2024 - Taglist Disability Support
by CaringBrit
Last post
 2 days ago
...See more This thread controls an auto-updating tag list. To see the current list, go to Disability Support [https://rarelycharlie.github.io/taglist?3ec913e645043cdcd31f94a3324ab37c]. To add yourself to this tag list, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words Please add me. To remove yourself from this tag list, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words, Please remove me. This Taglist will be used for the Daily Check-Ins could even be used for Events etc. What happens after you join the tag list? You will notice an icon for a little bell up in the right corner of your screen. there is a letter icon, then the bell, then a jar, and then the icon for your account. That bell will tell you about your notifications. When we tag you, it will show up as a number on the bell. Click on the bell and a drop-down menu will appear and it will show you the link to the post where we tagged you. Current taglist as at  Feb 1st 2025 @777Bre777 @adaptableOcean4193 @adaptablePomegranate1587 @adequatelyInadequate @adventurousBranch3786 @AffyAvo @agreeableTurtle1021 @AguaNector6700 @amusingTalker1267 @Aqua1494 @Arsalanahmed @Ashleylovescats @AttentiveEar @audienta @AutiBoy @Averayne93 @azuladragon34 @BacktotheTrail @BeyondTheInvisible @BlindGrapefruit @blissfulTouch29 @Bndonovan02 @bouncyBreeze44 @bouncyVoice4149 @Breezy2013 @cal1860 @CaringBrit @CheeryPotato @CheerySandi @ChildGoddessFlute @Chloe1644 @cinnamoncocoa @CocoaCassie @Colorfulcatsofhope @communicativePond1728 @CompassionateMoon4024 @considerateBunny7436 @Countrygirl095 @crystallizedrequiem @Daisy7cups @DichotomousDetia @disneymoonlight @Disneywoman @DoISayIt @DonaldK @DylanMark @Edobre399 @Emiliako @emotionalTalker2260 @enigmaticOcean8813 @enthusiasticOwl866 @enthusiasticTortoise6681 @fairmindedWater1140 @Fireskye13 @FrenchMarbles @friendlyEars8792 @goldenSpruce1512 @greekcatperson @IcedCoffee211109 @IndigoWhisper @InfiniteThoughts2k19 @Jamesjones10123 @Jewels012222 @jovialButterfly6752 @JoyfulUnicorn @JoyIntoDarkness @JustLikeMellie @K87 @kenzixo @killaj0ule @Kittibear @KuhnDisabled101 @kwheelz @lightTriangle7748 @LikeABirdWithoutWings @lovelycoacoa @lovelySun2900 @LoveMyRotty @magnifiedfaith @ManinblacK @MartianGirl347 @MeaningfulSilence @Meowsicle @MistyMagic @mnhtx3 @modestHickory2783 @modestOcean1286 @moosprbrk @MyNameIsNicole @NaomiR @nessdamess @NevaehRose @NotKhan2 @Ofenkartoffel @OneErased @PerfectHarmony10 @philosophicalAcai7803 @pinkbunnywabbit @Pixiechu @placidMoth @Plantsaremybestfriends @Poppia @PotFullOfSky2020 @rainbowVibes @Raysofsunshineandrainbow2005 @redGrapes1822 @Redheadmadeofglitter94 @repen13 @reservedCat9143 @reservedOwl6476 @RiggsMortis @sabeyesofblue3535 @Seachele @SereneEnergy9119 @SmolBurrahobbit12 @SparklyCat @specialPurple1582 @StarsOrchidsOwls @stuffiessytem @sunshinegiraffe123 @tearstruck @theboymoana @TimidBear @TomatoEmi @turquoiseHemlock900 @u2canwin @wahmbrenda @Walker7957 @WeedyGarden @WishUponAStar968 @wonderfulRainbow817 @xandia @xxParkerxx @Zed786 Updated by MistyMagic
AffyAvo profile picture
December Check in with Us!
by AffyAvo
Last post
 December 3rd, 2024
...See more It's the most wonderful time of the year 🎵 ... Or is it? [Snow falls, bright warm lights can be seen through the windows of a few houses] I think most of us who are disabled, have an illness or live with someone who is disabled find December challenging for one reason or another. There's a number of holidays, the end of the year, shorter/colder days in the north and longer hotter days in the south, etc. and these can all affect us. How do you feel about December and what's 1 challenge you think you're likely to experience/are experiencing this month? Share a tip you have to help manage that challenge? - If you don't have a tip please let us know if you are open to others offering suggestions. How are you doing today? A reminder - you are welcome to check in multiple times for the month and you can answer as many or as few questions as you like!
AffyAvo profile picture
November Check In with Us!
by AffyAvo
Last post
 November 11th, 2024
...See more [A sheep pulls a carrot from a garden] With the end of October and the beginning of November, harvest season comes to mind. Canadian Thanksgiving has passed, American Thanksgiving is to come, Diwali celebrations are occuring and pumpkins are still floating around! I know other cultures have celebrations related to harvest too. What types of harvest celebrations do you celebrate? Do you face any challenges at this time of year? How are you doing today? You are welcome to pop in to this thread multiple times throughout the month and share the tough things and the good things this month.
MistyMagic profile picture
October - Check-in with us!
by MistyMagic
Last post
 October 31st, 2024
...See more Welcome October - the month that Autumn comes to many people which can cause extra challenges as the temperature and humidity change. I love this month, I love the spooky season, and I adore pumpkins, in soup, pies or casseroles they all have an added sweetness that is so appetizing. So come and share with us what you like or dislike about October! How are you doing? How are your pain levels?  What do you think about October? Have you started Christmas shopping yet!
AffyAvo profile picture
September Check In
by AffyAvo
Last post
 September 11th, 2024
...See more [Peanuts characters look off a dock, at the sunset while leaves swirl around them text states GOODBYE AUGUST Hello September] September can be a shift, some schools are full of people settling into new routines, the weather changes into a new season and pumpkins seem to pop up everywhere. Some of us are also cheering on the Paralympians (check out this post [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/ParalympicsParis2024_335558/])! Are you experiencing and changes or stating something this month? What's a fun activity you are doing this month? How are you doing? Would you like support with anything?
MistyMagic profile picture
August Check-in
by MistyMagic
Last post
 August 19th, 2024
...See more Hey everyone! Welcome to August! [picture of a sunny beach with blue sea and palm tree, the words "Happy August"] For many it is the holiday month, school's have a break and the weather is better for most of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Also we have the Olympics in  Paris, France taking place and later in the month we have the Paralympics too! So I was wondering, day-dreaming really, for many of us holidays are impossible, a distant dream, something that we would love but the planning and practicalities and finance sometimes make them out of reach.  🦋 FLASH SALE! 🦋  So, for one month only we can travel to anywhere, do anything and not worry about the cost either. We can take friends, pets, family. We can wear anything, eat anything, drink anything! So, lets share and inspire each other, have fun and laugh together. Perhaps you would want to go to Willy Wonka's factory (ooh that would make a whole post on it's own!!) or perhaps you would scuba dive in the depths of the Arctic or Antarctic Oceans with whales and penguins ? Over to you! If you could go to any place and have the holiday of a lifetime what would your dream holiday be?
WeedyGarden profile picture
Hi Bye Drive By
by WeedyGarden
Last post
 August 13th, 2024
...See more This is s Hi Bye Drive By. I am still alive.
MistyMagic profile picture
Weekly Check-in June 18- 25th (Color and Emotions)
by MistyMagic
Last post
 July 16th, 2024
...See more Hey Everyone! I wanted to bring up the subject of colors and emotions and how surrounding ourselves with different colors can affect our well-being. Colors and emotions are closely linked. Colors can make us feel happy or sad, and they can make us feel calm and relaxed. Thinking about the colors we surround ourselves with is quite important and an easy way to improve the quality of our lives. Colors can have a profound impact on our emotional well-being, influencing our mood, feelings, and even our behavior. This phenomenon, often referred to as color psychology, is utilized in various fields, including marketing, interior design, and art therapy. Here’s how different colors can affect our emotions and overall well-being: Think of a special item of clothing, tee-shirt or blanket, something you love. What color is it?  Share with us one thing you have planned for this week! Do you have a favorite color? What is it and how does it make you feel?
AffyAvo profile picture
July Check In
by AffyAvo
Last post
 July 12th, 2024
...See more We're changing things up and will be trying monthly check-ins instead of weekly check in threads. You are welcome to post multiple times though! MistyMagic and I will both be on a break, @Sunisshiningandsoareyou [https://www.7cups.com/@Sunisshiningandsoareyou] will be around in the community for the week and I'm a bit when I'm away. Once I'm back I will host some events for Disability Pride Month! Warning - the below GIF changes images fairly rapidly. [Text reading Hello July with various summer scenes being displayed] What are your plans for July? How are you feeling? What would you like to share with us?
AffyAvo profile picture
Weekly Check In May 29 - June 3
by AffyAvo
Last post
 June 20th, 2024
...See more [A gif of a man dancing on arm crutches] On a day when you feel a bit more energetic than usual what is something you like to do? Is there anything you would like to share that you accomplished this month? How is this week going for you? Bonus question - who is this in the GIF? I think I found the right youtube channel but I can't see the gif well enough to be sure.
AffyAvo profile picture
Weekly Check In June 6-10
by AffyAvo
Last post
 June 17th, 2024
...See more Celebrating with our 2SLGBTQI friends often involves dancing! This is an inclusive dance - what type of dancing do you like to do? A twirl in a wheelchair, break dancing, clapping to the music, waltzing, head bopping? What are your plans for June? How are you doing this week?
MistyMagic profile picture
Weekly Check-in 10 - 17 June 2024
by MistyMagic
Last post
 June 11th, 2024
...See more Hey everyone! This week in the UK is Carers Week! A week where we celebrate all that our carers do for us. Did you know there are over 5.7 million unpaid carers across the UK? They vary from young people to the elderly, often family caring for family! So I was thinking about how we can care for our carers. What can we do to show them appreciation and love for all they do for us? So many of us have special carers, people who are nurses or specially trained assistants with a key skill set. 💛If you were a carer what would you like to be given as a special treat? 💙If you have a carer think about how you might care for them, or if you don't have a special carer then imagine what your answer might be. 💚What are your plans for this coming week?  💜Would you prefer a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold drink like homemade lemonade or a smoothie?

Welcome to the Disability Support Community!

This is an inclusive community where people can seek and provide support and post about topics related to learning disabilities, chronic pain, chronic illnesses and conditions, physical disabilities and developmental disabilities. You are welcome to join in even if you don't used disabled as a label for yourself.

There are a number of ways to get involved and be supported. We have a pop up teen chatroom and a 24/7 adult chatroom.

There are guides for Chronic Pain and T2 Diabetes
There are Q&A sections for Disabilities and Chronic Pain

Members may connect with a listener who has disabilities, chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, adhd or autism listed as a topic and there are listeners with disabilities supporting people with disabilities. 

We encourage people to post new threads and respond to others in the forums! Some good ways to get started are to introduce yourself and to join our tag list to be notified of weekly check ins and events. We also have an Interview Series: if you would be open to sharing more about yourself and want to be interviewed.

Looking to be even more activity in the Disability Community? Join as a leader!

*Note we are inclusive of all disabilities but ADHD and Autism each of their own communities which may be of interest to some of you.

Community Guidelines

🌟 Please be respectful of everybody's thoughts and opinions.

🌟 Don't think you are alone, so please share

🌟 Please be patient if you feel like your concern hasn't been addressed yet; we are working hard to add more leaders and supporters.

🌟 If you have any concerns, reach out to a leader or make a post.

🌟 For Listeners only - please remember that you are here to give support, if you are seeking support then please switch to your Member account.

🌟 Most of all - don't forget to be awesome! You are loved and accepted here, no matter what!

Guidelines For Using AI 


We all want the Disability Support Community to be a safe place where people are able to be their authentic selves and receive support. We understand that AI tools can be helpful in reducing barriers, allowing people to better express themselves, and allowing those with some disabilities to be able to read, write, and post, but excessive, or complete use of AI can feel robotic and reduce supportive person-to-person interactions. It can also lead to false impressions of the poster. We want to try and avoid this and help our Community to be as inclusive and as welcoming as possible to all users.


What is AI?

AI is short for ‘artificial intelligence’ which is software, a program or algorithm that works to sort, order, and combine data to give a response or answer to a question or input. Artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer, software, or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that are commonly associated with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason. As yet no AI’s match full human flexibility over wider domains or in tasks.

Some of the most common examples of AI in use today include: 

  • ChatGPT: Uses large language models (LLMs) to generate text in response to questions or comments posed to it. 

  • Google Translate: Uses deep learning algorithms to translate text from one language to another. 

  • Netflix: Uses machine learning algorithms to create personalized recommendation engines for users based on their previous viewing history. 

  • Tesla: Uses computer vision to power self-driving features on their cars.



If using AI tools please adhere to the following:


  • Include some of your own personal expression. This could come from a detailed, personal prompt to the AI tool or include some of your own words with a post.

  • Cite which AI tool(s) you used, which applies both to AI-generated and AI-edited text as well as images too. For instance, if you use Dragon to voice type then say so and if the text is AI-edited include that fact too.

  • Avoid posting misinformation. AI sometimes creates personalized anecdotes, facts, or references. If you are sharing an experience, don’t post an AI-fabricated one. If posting information check that it is correct and aligns with trustworthy sources.

  • Cite the source of your information. It can be important to know and understand the source of information posted, AI-generated content may draw information from their database so try and use factual sites that can be checked and that aren’t misleading.

  • Don’t make threads in excess. AI can make it fairly quick to create a lot of content. We want to give everyone’s posts a chance to be seen. Please don’t post a large amount of threads in a short period of time, this is called ‘flooding’ and can prevent other posts from being seen.

  • If you do feel like there’s a lot you want to state on one topic, consider making multiple posts within the same single thread. Or create your own ‘Disability Diary’ thread and post there, this will increase your visibility, and those who reply will be notified when you add another post.

  • Follow the guidelines. You are responsible for what is posted from your account, even if AI was used in the creation of the post, so please double-check what you write and post!


For more information please read this post by @Heather225 - 7 Cups Community Director.


Do’s ✅  and  ❌ Don’t List:


✅ Do - Humanize your post with your own expression and words

✅ Do - Cite the AI tool(s) you use

✅ Do - Make ONE thread and post to it if there are several posts you want to make

✅ Do- Read things over and ensure the guidelines are being followed

❌ Don’t post something that is entirely AI-generated with little input from yourself

❌ Don’t post misinformation

❌ Don’t flood the forums with AI threads, or multiple threads


If in doubt please ask @MistyMagic  (Adults and Teens) or @AffyAvo (Adults) or consider joining the Disability Community Support Team. More information Here







Read the 7 Cups Guidelines
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