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November Check In with Us!
by AffyAvo
Last post
November 11th
...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.
Meditation and Self-Care
by MistyMagic
Last post
October 18th
...See more September is Self-Care Awareness month! Read more Here! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/projectsandevents/General_2421/SeptemberisSelfCareAwarenessMonthEventsHelpWanted_336603/]          Meditation and Self-care Meditation is a word that can scare many people but it is not all about sitting cross-legged and saying ‘Ohmmm’ (although that works a treat!), it can take many forms and you can also design your own. You probably use a type of meditation when you stir your coffee and think, or whilst waiting for the water to boil to make your tea. Meditation covers a vast array of ways to focus your mind and body into one! Using simple meditation as a form of self-care can be incredibly beneficial for reducing stress, enhancing focus, and promoting overall well-being. Below are ways to incorporate meditation into your self-care routine, followed by some useful resources and ten frequently asked questions with answers about meditation.  So, all-in-all a complete guide to simple mediation! Ways to Use Simple Meditation as Self-Care: * Breath Awareness Meditation: Focus on your breath. Notice how it flows in and out without changing it. Do this for a certain number of breaths, seconds, or minutes.This can calm your mind and reduce stress.You can decide whether it feels more comfortable breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, the opposite or even in and out through your nose or mouth. This way you are in control and do what suits your body the most. Try them all then decide. * Body Scan Meditation: Mentally scan your body from head to toe, noticing any tension or discomfort. This helps to relax your muscles and increase body awareness.This is more complicated and needs more time and can mean that any areas need more attention. * Mindfulness Meditation: Sit quietly and bring your attention to the present moment without judgment. Observe your thoughts as they come and go, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. There is also the Mindfulness Community [https://www.7cups.com/forum/mindfulness/] here on 7 Cups.  * Guided Meditation: Use a recorded guide that leads you through visualizations or relaxation techniques. This is a good option for beginners who need direction. You can also record meditations yourself so they are directly identifiable to you current condition. * Mantra Meditation: Repeat a calming word or phrase (mantra) silently to focus the mind. Common mantras include "Om" or "peace." * Walking Meditation: Practice mindfulness while walking slowly, paying attention to your steps and the sensations in your body. It’s ideal for those who find sitting meditation challenging. * Gratitude Meditation: Spend a few minutes reflecting on things you're grateful for. This can shift your mindset towards positivity and contentment. * Five Senses Meditation: Tune into each of your five senses—what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. This can ground you and bring your awareness back to the present. * Short “Micro” Meditation: Take 1-3 minutes to focus on your breath, a mantra, or a calming visualization. This is perfect for quick mental resets throughout the day. * Counting Meditation: Count slowly from 1 to 100, or 1 to 50 or pick a number, this focuses the mind and the thought together so that energy is synchronised. * Cleansing Meditation: Whilst standing or sitting at the sink concentrate on each task and each circular motion of the items. Or whilst showering focus on the sensation of the water and allow yourself to concentrate on each movement and finally allow the water to run over you washing away all negative energy down the plug hole away to the Earth. * Favourite Place Meditation: Visualise how to get from where you are to your favourite or safe place. Think about each movement, moment and the route shedding any negativity on the way. You can get there even when you are actually somewhere else. You can calm yourself and soak in the good energy, replenishing and refreshing yourself from that place before you return. You can return in a heartbeat if you are ready, if not then retrace your  steps gradually building up strength to face the world again. Each of these meditations can take moments, you can practice them almost anywhere, and, when you have tried them a few times you can even use them in busy meetings or stressful times. ------------------------- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Meditation: * Q: How do I start meditating if I’ve never done it before?  A: Start by setting aside 5-10 minutes in a quiet place. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Don't worry about "doing it right"—just pay attention to your breath. * Q: How long should I meditate for as a beginner?  A: Start with 5-10 minutes a day and gradually increase as you become more comfortable. Even short sessions can be beneficial. * Q: What should I do if my mind keeps wandering?  A: It’s normal for your mind to wander. When you notice it happening, gently bring your attention back to your breath or focus point. Over time, this will become easier. * Q: Do I need to sit in a specific posture to meditate?  A: No. Sit in any position that is comfortable for you. The most important thing is to maintain a relaxed and alert posture. You can even meditate lying down if you wish, but you might be more likely to fall asleep. * Q: Can I meditate if I don’t believe in spirituality?  A: Absolutely. Meditation doesn’t require any specific spiritual belief. It can be practiced simply for relaxation, focus, and mental clarity. * Q: Is it better to meditate in the morning or evening?  A: There’s no “better” time. Morning meditation can set a peaceful tone for the day, while evening meditation helps to unwind and relax. Choose a time that fits your schedule.The more you do short meditations the more you will find new ways and times. * Q: What are the benefits of meditation?  A: Meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, increase self-awareness, promote emotional health, and enhance sleep quality. Long-term practice has been shown to positively affect overall mental well-being. * Q: How do I stop falling asleep during meditation  A: Try meditating sitting up rather than lying down. You can also open your eyes slightly or try meditating earlier in the day when you’re more awake. But, hey, what's so bad about falling asleep as long as you are safe, some people use it as a sleep aid. * Q: How long does it take to see the benefits of meditation?  A: Some benefits, such as feeling more relaxed, can be experienced immediately. However, for long-term effects like reduced anxiety or improved focus, consistent practice over weeks or months is typically required. * Q: What if I don’t have a lot of time to meditate?  A: You can still benefit from just a few minutes of meditation each day. Micro-meditations, where you focus on your breath or surroundings for 1-3 minutes, can be very effective. ------------------------- By integrating meditation into your self-care routine, you can develop a practice that not only calms the mind but also strengthens your overall mental and emotional well-being. There are many accessible resources to help you get started, and with time, even brief moments of mindfulness can offer profound benefits. ☺️Share your ways to meditate here! ☺️Do you meditate? Or are you going to try? ☺️Do you have any meditation questions? ☺️Would you be interested in a group meditation here?
Interview Series - Master List!
by AffyAvo
Last post
September 9th
...See more Our series 'Interview Diaries' allows the community to share their direct living experience with conditions and disabilities and for us to learn from each other. To learn more about Interview Diaries, share as an interviewer or interviewee, and to be notified of new interviews via the taglist please see Call of Applications [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/CallForApplicationsToBeInterviewed_276642/] List of Interview Diaries:- 2022 Interviews:- Non-Epileptic Seizures  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/NonEpilepticSeizuresWithAudienta_275839/] Turner Syndrome  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/TurnerSyndromeWithAnimeweebu123_276707/] Spending Time With A Surfer @theboymoana [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/SpendingTimeWithASurfertheboymoana_276777/] Learning About FND  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/LearningAboutFNDWithEmpatheticListener0309_277278/] Interview about being Deaf  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/InterviewaboutbeingDeafwithFrenchMarbles_277578/] Experiences With Celiac Disease [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/TheWholesomeMistyMagicTellsHerExperiencesWithCeliacDisease_277824/] Dissociative Identity Disorder with @DichotomousDetia [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/DissociativeIdentityDisorderwithDichotomousDetia_277991/] An Interview With @AffyAvo on Hereditary Angioedema♥ [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/AnInterviewWithAffyAvoonHereditaryAngioedema_278243/] Endometriosis and Me: an interview with @Lilyfae00 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/EndometriosisandMeaninterviewwithLilyfae00_278539/] PoTS and Me: An Interview with @wonderfulRainbow817 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/PoTSandMeAnInterviewwithwonderfulRainbow817_278731/] Tendonitis and Misdiagnosis: Rachel's Experience With Chronic Pain [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/TendonitisandMisdiagnosisRachelsExperienceWithChronicPain_278839/] Pervasive Developmental Disorder: Interview with @Goalsforlife [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/PervasiveDevelopmentalDisorderInterviewwithGoalsforlife_280227/] WarmLightXO Sheds Some Light On PCOS [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/WarmLightXOShedsSomeLightOnPCOS_280813/] Learning With Lucy: Her Experience With Epilepsy [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/LearningWithLucyHerExperienceWithEpilepsy_284621/] 2 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/LearningWithLucyHerExperienceWithEpilepsy_284621/]024 Interviews:- Living with Multiple Sclerosis [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/InterviewDiariesGrabaCuppaandLearnaboutMultipleSclerosis_325500/] Living with Cerebral Palsy [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/DisabilityDiary_2664/InterviewDiariesLivingwithCerebralPalsy_326155/] Living with Meniere's Disease [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/DisabilityDiary_2664/LivingWithMenieresDisease_327897/] Living with CFS/ME [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/DisabilityDiary_2664/InterviewLivingwithCFS_328938/] Living with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/InterviewsDiaries_2664/InterviewDiariesLivingwithRA_333251/?post=3610799] Being a wheelchair user [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/InterviewsDiaries_2664/InterviewDiariesBeingaWheelchairuser_336321/?post=3653342] Living with hED and POTS [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/InterviewsDiaries_2664/InterviewLivingwithhEDSandPOTS_336838/?post=3659993] T [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/DisabilityDiary_2664/LivingWithMenieresDisease_327897/]his list is updated as we post more Interviews. Nov 2024
Does anyone use electric wheelchair due to low muscle tone?
by CheerySandi
Last post
June 3rd
...See more Does anyone use electric wheelchair due to low muscle tone? I use electric wheelchair and i have got personal assistance for tasks where a lot of physical strength is required. I am glad that i have so much support.
Anyone Have Tourette's (or Know Someone Who Has It)?
by jesusredeemedme2425
Last post
May 26th
...See more I have mild Tourette's. I have vocal tics (meow/roaring, moaning, and other embarrassing and only partially controllable sounds), verbal tics (saying random words, verbalizing part of a conversation I'm having in my head- you know how we all daydream about convos we want to have! Mine just get verbalized sometimes), and physical tics (nothing too specific, just movements at random and such). My tics are usually hideable, but the more stressed I get, the more noticeable they become. I "rawr-ed" in the bathroom the other day and my mom heard it. It was kinda embarrassing. Does anyone else deal with Tourette's, or know someone who does? Please use this as a safe space to share your stories and anything you've learned, anything that helps, ways of getting people to understand and accept your tics, or anything else you'd like! <3
Help and suggestions
by Emm22
Last post
March 31st
...See more I have cronic pain in my thighs and it really hurts but thankfully not all the time. Last night it had a really bad peak and I didn't know what to do. It really hurt and there was nothing I could do. I was sitting there crying and it was making me feel sick and I couldn't think straight so I didn't know what to do. I also didn't want to bug my family or friends because they don't know what to do so I had to keep to myself. I found heat is the best thing but I was wondering if anyone else had ideas?
New addition to the spoon theory
by brightCity5374
Last post
March 25th
...See more Table set theory Fork is functioning, plate is sociability , knife is mental strength, spoon is energy, and cup is mood In accordance to another analogy Other people can fill your cup for example this morning _____ had 10 spoons, 10 forks, 10 knives, 10 plates , and a full cup
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
by Fighting99
Last post
March 20th
...See more Lend ears, give hope and support for those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
tourette syndrome
by cocoteapot
Last post
February 28th
...See more My husband is diagnosed with TS. Just wondering if anyone here has TS or know someone with TS? It will be good to connect so my husband knows he is not alone. Thanks!!
asking for ideas
by sociableCucumber4742
Last post
February 28th
...See more hi, I want to make a dating group for muslims who have cfs/ME. any ideas how I can do this?
A student with IBS
by MildJo
Last post
January 24th
...See more Hi, I know it's a long text but I would appreciate anyone's point of view or experience💕 I'm Rose a high school student. I've been having trouble with my health since middle school and it's really been getting worse these past year - especially the past two months. I have this thing called IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) but I also struggle with migraines. IBS is a common digestive disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. Its exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be related to gut-brain axis dysfunction, stress, and food intolerances. It can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications, but currently has no cure. I've been "diagnosed" with IBS in 2021. My type of IBS causes me to have pretty bad chronic pain and to feel nauseous. Throughout my battle with this disease I have good weeks, but also bad weeks. I've been doing the fodmap diet which helped make my life quite normal again, but this year has just been ***. I don't even know what to do anymore. I know two and a half years of this thing doesn't sound that bad, but hear me out. When I need to test new foods to add to my diet it might turn out to be a "bad" and cause me abdominal pain, bloating and nausea. From then on it depends. I might not be able to get back on track with life for a week because the "bad" food I ate causes me to have flare ups (after I eat) of pain and bloating even if I would eat the food that doesn't cause me abdominal pain. But maybe I will be totally fine (that doesn't happen much though😔). To get back to my story. I've been having the bad weeks for about two moths now I think. I've missed probably one month or more of school on and off. This caused a lot of problems with my family. To give you more inside; One time me and my mom went to one of the doctors to help with my IBS and he got an idea that my mom really loved. The idea was that I should try and push trough the pain and everything will be back to normal. But from my experience it's pretty hard to push through and ignore chronic pain. Back to the story. Well my mom just wants me to push trough the pain and move on. But it hurts so damn much and I'm not that strong to be able to ignore it anymore - it's been really bad these past few months. When a school morning comes I'm exhausted from the night, because I've been in pain most of the night without getting enough sleep, and I just don't have the energy to go to school. When she comes into my room to wake me up and hears me telling her I can't go to school she gets super angry and stressed. She knows every day more I spend at home the more trouble and stress I'll have trying to get back on track with school work (I'm an A student for contexts). Mornings like that we end up yelling at each other and just *** about one another. Long story short my father usually interferes and supports me staying at home which causes them to fight too. I feel so bad for being the reason for that. And because the past few month have been so awful their fight escalated too. Just this Monday my mother came back to my room, after I told her I won't be going to school that day, and she was sobbing, frustrated, angry (basically any emotion you can think of) and started to yell, cry and question me why am I doing that to myself, to them, if and I quote "want them to get divorced" because I seem to not be wanting to get better by lying in bed all day feeling sorry for myself. I don't know what to do anymore. I've been trying for so long to get back up every time IBS causes me to fall, but I just don't have the energy to get back up and try again, because there's no cure to it. It never stops man! I've been to soooo many doctors in the past few years and they tell me I'll need to figure it out myself. Jesus man I'm not even 16yo yet, but I'm suppose to do it alone? How can you expect me to do that?! Please I'm begging, has anyone had a similar experience with IBS, family, health...? Please I need help I have nobody. I feel so alone in this 😔
hEDS and POTS
by norabell
Last post
January 24th
...See more Hello! I’m 16 and newly diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers danlos syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. I’ve been having a pretty difficult time and am looking for others going through similar things. I try to talk to my mom and therapist, but they just don’t know what it really feels like. I just really want to connect with others to try to feel less alone.
I want company.
by sociableCucumber4742
Last post
January 24th
...See more anyone here suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome? I am severe and I am so frustrated of repeting the same boring and painful day everyday. I want any kind of change, but those who have it know we are extremely limited by our mental and physical capacity. anyone wants to chat about it and think of ways of having a bit of fun?
Fibromyalgia
by Supermandamus
Last post
December 1st, 2023
...See more Perhaps this could be a place for people with Fibromyalgia to chat. I have had this condition for over 30 years and have some insights as to how to cope with such a debilitating illness long term. How do you cope?
Spinal cord injury
by Twocusmile30
Last post
September 4th, 2023
...See more Crushed 7, 6, 5, and 4 in the t section of spinal cord. Broke all my ribs, missing bone of hip and rib to fix spinal area. Numb waist down and lost dexterity to left hand.

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







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