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September Check In
by AffyAvo
Last post
1 day ago
...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?
Boom! or Bust! All about pacing . . .
by MistyMagic
Last post
August 31st
...See more This post will open 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/]
2024 - Taglist Disability Support
by CaringBrit
Last post
July 22nd
...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 July 19th 2024 130 @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 @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 @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 @Ofenkartoffel @OneErased @PerfectHarmony10 @philosophicalAcai7803 @pinkbunnywabbit @Pixiechu @placidMoth @Plantsaremybestfriends @Poppia @PotFullOfSky2020 @rainbowVibes @Raysofsunshineandrainbow2005 @redGrapes1822 @Redheadmadeofglitter94 @repen13 @reservedCat9143 @reservedOwl6476 @RiggsMortis @sabeyesofblue3535 @Seachele @SmolBurrahobbit12 @SparklyCat @specialPurple1582 @StarsOrchidsOwls @stuffiessytem @sunshinegiraffe123 @tearstruck @theboymoana @TimidBear @TomatoEmi @turquoiseHemlock900 @u2canwin @wahmbrenda @Walker7957 @WeedyGarden @WishUponAStar968 @wonderfulRainbow817 @xandia @xxParkerxx @Zed786
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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