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November Check In with Us!
by AffyAvo
Last post
17 hours ago
...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:- Non-Epileptic Seizures With Audienta! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/NonEpilepticSeizuresWithAudienta_275839/] Turner Syndrome With @Animeweebu123 [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 With @EmpatheticListener0309💜 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/LearningAboutFNDWithEmpatheticListener0309_277278/] Interview about being Deaf with FrenchMarbles [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/InterviewSeriesInclusivityDiaries_2386/InterviewaboutbeingDeafwithFrenchMarbles_277578/] The magical @MistyMagic Tells Her 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/] Grab a Cuppa and Learn about 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. Sept 2024
Someone to talk to (maybe a listener?
by Astraeuss
Last post
Wednesday
...See more (Sorry if this comes across snippy this is my third time writing this to site keeps re setting) im 16 and have been dealing with likely POTS and EDS. I say likely because it’s impossible to get a proper diagnose when my parents refuse to take any of my doctors referrals or recommendations. Although I’m pretty sure my doctors diagnosed me with some sort of postural blood pressure thing and  hypermoblity but I digress. Things have gotten so hard. The pain keeps getting worse my hr keeps getting bigger and I’m able to walk and do less and less just making the pain worse. I struggle in school and my grades have dropped. I can’t get through a day. A 504 was meant to be sent in but it’s been 3 months and I don’t even know what’s on it. My dad has told me a few things but won’t show me. One thing being he took off putting my feet up because he “didn’t want me to cause issues for my teachers and be a problem”. So I don’t even know if it will help me at this point. I do have an amazing group of people surrounding me outside of parental figures but on one hand I don’t want to burden my friends more then I already do, and on the other just what someone to relate to. I’m worried about my future about jobs and aspirations. And I guess I just want someone who gets it I suppose.  Thanks for reading my rant if you’ve gotten this far it means the world 💜
Listeners with a Disability - Supporting those with Disabilities
by AffyAvo
Last post
October 24th
...See more Are you a listener with a disability willing to support others with a disability? Please share here! Also note what your disability is or give as much detail as you're comfortable wtih so that members can find someone with similar issues.
sometimes i really really hate being disabled
by shoutingintoether
Last post
October 9th
...See more ventpost who else up late at night grieving - between being physically disabled & emotionally abused - their whole ass childhood/teenhood and also present and future, and thinking about what life could have been if only your teacher hadn't abused you to the point of needing a wheelchair and your parents hadn't been so awful but even if those two stayed abusive in this other world you would've actually been able to sneak out the window n shit and you would've been a real punk at an earlier age and you would've been cool and even more importantly you would've been physically able to process your rage instead of it just stewing pathetically inside you for years and years as you dissociate and feel less like a person and less actually grateful to be alive every day that passes
IBS-M
by WellsFiction
Last post
July 22nd
...See more I was recently diagnosed with IBS-M. If anyone here has ever dealt with IBS or knows anything about it please leave a comment below. 
How do I deal with being disabled
by wowtdm
Last post
June 5th
...See more I am finally getting to the point where I might be able to get my disability check after waiting 8 months. After I heard the most I will make is $600 a month how is this going to afford rent or bills. I feel like I am being forced into poverty with little amount of money to support me or my family. My main point is how do I cope with this eventually I'll end up without a home or a car I've contacted all the support groups in my area and no one was going to offer me more money per month there is a housing option but it takes years to get into and they are located around bad neighborhoods. This is just very frustrating to have to deal with and I just needed to vent on this issue hopefully I can figure something out soon
Epilepsy Support
by Arkansasgurl
Last post
March 27th
...See more I'm looking for a listener with some knowledge of epilepsy. I'm really struggling with my diagnosis and restrictions. Thank you.
The Opioid Pain Refugee Crisis
by DrumDude
Last post
March 24th
...See more Many of us with disabilities suffer from chronic pain conditions which are corrosive, debilitating and incredibly challenging on a day-to-day basis. There is a national narrative in America that there is an "opioid crisis". But opiate analgesic medications are first-line treatments for pain resulting from cancer, HIV, as well as other diseases, and of course chronic pain. This article provides a clear and direct explanation, as well as a starting point for understanding the effects this narrative has had on patients who rely on these medications, particularly the 2016 CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain [https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/rr6501e1.htm]. 
Hello I'm a new listener in 7 cups, If you feel really down and need someone to listen to you, I'm here with full listening ears ❤️
by Seenclearli
Last post
March 2nd
...See more Hello I'm a new listener in 7 cups, If you feel really down and need someone to listen to you, I'm here with full listening ears ❤️
Disabilities and self-confidence
by schokoladenmuffin1
Last post
December 27th, 2023
...See more Please let me know how you guys deals with low self-confidence (in case that applies to you) due to your disability/disabilities. I would really appreciate your advice. Here is my story: Lately, I have been struggling with my self-confidence. I realized how much my negative thoughts and the expections of how I "should" be and how I "should" deal with my disabilities affect me. I always feel like I have to give 150% to keep up with other healthy people, especially at work. I'm almost 25 years old. I have never been in a romantic relationship with anyone. Opening up about my disabilities and thus revealing my vulnerable side just makes me very anxious and sometimes even drives me completely crazy and I keep telling myself that the other person would never accept me aa a disabled person. Any advice how to deal with these kind of thoughts?
Feel unwelcome and sad
by theboymoana
Last post
November 26th, 2023
...See more Lately most places cups feel unwelcome sad not belong ☹️so much new people group chats ignore me all time don’t understand why ignore and mean to me not even for reason 😭😭 when get confused things they talk about no one explain what means just ignore ignore ignore some people go in room and right I say something they say oh nevermind bye and go different room  even autism forum get ignored ask thing but they answer all rest people act like why doesn’t know all these word for things just don’t make sense why need big words for something like a lot or whatever thing don’t understand is ☹️ know I am stupid don’t understand anything but isn’t fault have intellectual disability and not understand all English words ☹️ use to someone mean to me couple times week now mean every time come on here and make me really really sad☹️☹️😭😭😭why is ok people mean to me and why always people tell me just ignore them because how can ignore ? Can’t ignore so much people be mean not let me be part cups anymore  have people tell me shut up and leave and whole life people want me shut up leave and not fair say that ☹️ do not want leave want stay and want people stop be mean to me 😭😭😭 when first come here two people was mean to me over over over over for almost year and tell mods and report them and do screenshot things and nothing ever happen but when finally I get upset enough be mean back get trouble every time only stop happening when one them age up and other one not so mean without friend there but just now happening again with lot people and make so upset 😭 why is ok treat me like not welcome and not even like person ☹️☹️😭one person few days ago keep call me she and tell them i am not she so they call me IT like not even person  cups suppose help but let people bully me be mean me and no one stop them just all is me suppose ignore it Happening but CANT 😭 why is ok don’t understand ☹️😭😭😭😭☹️☹️😢😢😭
Hello
by El2002snow
Last post
November 17th, 2023
...See more Hello. I am a blind female.
♥Disability Huddles Announcement♥ ♪Teens & Adults ♪
by FrenchMarbles
Last post
October 23rd, 2023
...See more Hello everyone, My name is FrenchMarbles, and I’m the Community Mentor Leader. I’m excited to announce the Disability Huddles will be returning for both Adults and Teens. I will host this every Friday at 5pm Eastern Standard Time for Teens and 6pm for Adults in the disability room. (Date pending) If you’d like to join, please fill out this form, and I’ll send a message to you to provide more information. [https://forms.gle/2SCyHqhw1BRvmNBg6] I have a passion for the huddles because it’s a chance for the community to come together and discuss something we all share in common, which is having a disability. Now, disability affects all of us differently. It’s essential to recognise that, however, being able to share a safe space for people to talk about their disability and how it impacts their lives. In these huddles each week, there will be a topic surrounding disability. Through the sharing circle style, we’d be able to listen to those who choose to share. Week Topic Description One Education and Disabilities Discuss the challenges and successes related to education, including school experiences, accommodations, and pursuing higher education. Two Employment and Disabilities Explore the job market, workplace inclusivity, and strategies for finding and maintaining employment while managing disabilities. Three Discrimination and Advocacy Share stories and insights on facing discrimination and how self-advocacy and raising awareness can make a difference. Four Coping Strategies Focus on mental and emotional well-being, sharing coping skills and resilience techniques for handling the ups and downs of life with a disability. Five Healthcare and Disabilities Sharing the ups and downs of our experiences with healthcare and our disabilities. Six Relationships and Disabilities : Discuss the impact of disabilities on personal relationships, from family dynamics to friendships and romantic partnerships. Seven Accessibility and Environment Explore the importance of accessible spaces and the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive world for individuals with disabilities. Eight Technology and Disabilities Talk about the role of technology in improving accessibility and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Nine Hope and Dreams We’ll wrap this up by sharing our aspirations, and how you envision a more inclusive future for themselves and others.

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







Community Leaders
Community Mentor Leader
Community Mentor / Teen Community Star
Group Support Mentor / Teen Star
On Self-Care Break