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MistyMagic profile picture
Pain? P A I N? PAIN!PAIN!PAIN!PAIN?
by MistyMagic
Last post
 February 15th
...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!
AffyAvo profile picture
Listeners with a Disability - Supporting those with Disabilities (2024-2025)
by AffyAvo
Last post
 February 8th
...See more We had one of these before, but many of the listeners are no longer using 7cups. So here's an updated one. 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.
MistyMagic profile picture
Boom! or Bust! All about pacing . . .
by MistyMagic
Last post
 February 5th
...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 
ResilientRipples profile picture
Chronic Pain and Being Misunderstood
by ResilientRipples
Last post
 Monday
...See more Chronic pain isn’t just about hurting—it’s about being misunderstood. It’s the frustration of people thinking you’re fine just because you look okay. It’s the exhaustion of having to explain yourself over and over, only to be met with doubt, pity, or unrealistic advice. It’s the loneliness of feeling like no one truly gets what it’s like to live in a body that doesn’t cooperate. People assume pain has a clear cause and a simple fix. Rest, exercise, medication. Surely, one of those should work, right? And if it doesn’t, then you must be doing something wrong. Maybe you’re not trying hard enough. Maybe it’s “all in your head.” Maybe you just need to be more positive. But they don’t see the full picture. They don’t see the nights spent awake, shifting positions, searching for relief that never comes. They don’t see the way pain drains your energy, steals your focus, makes even basic tasks feel impossible. They don’t understand that you have tried everything, and if there was an easy fix, you would’ve found it by now. It’s painful when people don’t believe you. When they minimise what you’re going through. When they make offhand comments like, “You’re too young for this,” or “But you were fine yesterday.” As if pain follows a schedule. As if it’s something you can control. The truth is, chronic pain is unpredictable. It changes day by day, sometimes hour by hour. Some days you can push through; other days, even sitting still hurts. You shouldn’t have to prove your pain just to be taken seriously. You shouldn’t have to explain why you need accommodations, why you cancel plans, or why you’re exhausted from doing “nothing.” If you relate to this, just know that you’re not alone. There are people out there who do understand, who do believe you, and who won’t judge you for what you’re going through. It’s okay to set boundaries with those who don’t get it. It’s okay to prioritise your own well-being over other people’s opinions. Your pain is real. Your experience is valid. And you deserve support, no matter how many people fail to see what you’re carrying. How do you handle being misunderstood?  What support do you wish others would give you? How are you today?
profile picture
Pain
by
Last post
 January 27th
...See more I been dealing ankl e problems like a sprain ankle. , three torn stuff in my foot and noe pain I had. From a operation I had a half a a year ago on ankle. Still in pain and not moble
Stitchlover17 profile picture
Pain
by Stitchlover17
Last post
 November 19th, 2024
...See more Chronic pain and just pain in general 🙄🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️😭
DogLady93 profile picture
CRPS/RSD
by DogLady93
Last post
 October 24th, 2024
...See more I'm just looking to see if anyone else on here has CRPS/RSD and would be interested in talking. I have it in my left leg and would love to get a mini support group together.
Countrygirl095 profile picture
From Pain to Strength: A Cerebral Palsy Survival Guide
by Countrygirl095
Last post
 March 10th, 2024
...See more From Pain to Strength: A Cerebral Palsy Survival Guide Having cerebral palsy comes with its fair share of challenges. One aspect that often accompanies this condition is physical pain. However, it is a testament to one's strength and determination to overcome obstacles that life presents. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience with pain and explore how it can be a reminder of my strength and resilience. 1. Understanding Cerebral Palsy and Its Impact Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and balance. It is caused by damage to the brain either before, during, or after birth. Different individuals may experience varying levels of disability and chronic pain. 2. Describing Pain as an Reminder of Strength Living with cerebral palsy, pain is a daily reality for me. However, I believe that pain serves as a powerful reminder of my inner strength. It serves as a constant reminder that I am capable of pushing through and overcoming any obstacle that comes my way. With every pain, I am reminded of my determination and the progress I have made. 3. Overcoming Challenges with Perseverance Pain is a constant companion, but it does not define me. I have learned to use my pain as motivation. It serves as a driving force to push me forward, reminding me of the importance of perseverance and determination. Despite the discomfort, I have refused to let pain hold me back from achieving my goals. 4. Celebrating Achievements and Milestones Throughout my journey with cerebral palsy, I have had to overcome numerous challenges and obstacles. However, it is equally important to celebrate the achievements and milestones along the way. Each accomplishment, no matter how small, is a testament to my strength and resilience. 5. Sharing My Story as a Survival Guide My experience with pain and cerebral palsy has led me to believe that my story can serve as a survival guide for others facing similar challenges. By sharing my struggles and triumphs, I hope that others can find inspiration and encouragement to never give up. Conclusion Pain is a temporary obstacle that those with cerebral palsy may face. However, it is through perseverance, strength, and determination that we can overcome it. I urge anyone facing similar challenges to remember that pain is temporary, but your story has the potential to inspire and change lives forever. Don't give up; you have the strength within you to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
Katieee97 profile picture
Chronic pain Acceptance
by Katieee97
Last post
 February 2nd, 2024
...See more For the last 4 years, I have had a chronic headache, with back pain too. I honestly can not remember what it is like to feel no pain. Back when this all started I was 16, about to start catering college. Up until very recently, I have tried my very hardest to ignore my health and have pretended to be fine. No many people in my life actually know or remember that my health isn't great. I try not to talk about it because I feel like it makes other people uncomfortable or I get pity. I also struggle to talk about it and never usually have a conversation about it that doesn't end up with me crying. I have lost a lot of people in my life because of my pain. My work have only just found out, because I suddenly broke. I managed to work 4 days a week after finishing college for about 6 months before completely breaking. I have had every test and tried every medication under the sun, seen every specialist out there - but no one can give me a reason for my headache or a name. I'm now at the point where they can do no more for me. All they can suggest is giving up my passion - being a chef. And learning to accept my new life. Im seriously struggling to accept that I have to live with pain for potentiality the rest of my life. Im 20, want to be working full time, excited for the future - not dreading what the future might bring. How have other people learnt to accept their pain?
VaehStanifer profile picture
Chronic pain
by VaehStanifer
Last post
 July 22nd, 2023
...See more Does anyone Have any recommendations or remedies that help with mainly back pain. I have severe scoliosis that causes so much pain and a condition that makes all pain much worse than it should be. I’d really appreciate it if anybody could help
LIFEadisastrousmess profile picture
Chronic Pain
by LIFEadisastrousmess
Last post
 April 8th, 2023
...See more How do you keep from getting discouraged by pain?
fruityPond7887 profile picture
Your Pain Is Legitimate
by fruityPond7887
Last post
 March 30th, 2023
...See more "“Shouldn’t you have healed by now?” “I think your pain may be all in your head.” If you are living with chronic pain, you know how dispiriting these comments can be. We hear them from physicians and spouses, co-workers, and friends. These comments represent a fundamental misunderstanding about the mind-body relationship as it pertains to pain. Your chronic pain has a cause. The trigeminal system [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-022-11002-4] is the pain-perceiving center of the brain. Pain sensations picked up by nerves all over your body are sent to the trigeminal nucleus for processing. This is basically where those signals are translated into “pain” by your brain. Acute pain [https://www.iasp-pain.org/resources/topics/acute-pain/] occurs when we have actual or potential tissue damage, and those signals travel through our trigeminal system and are translated into the sensation of pain. The purpose of acute pain is to signal, “Hey! We have a problem here!” It allows us to make the best choice in the moment to reduce the possibility of damage to our bodies. Chronic pain [https://journals.lww.com/pain/Abstract/2019/01000/Chronic_pain_as_a_symptom_or_a_disease__the_IASP.3.aspx] (pain that lasts more than three to six months) can occur for lots of different reasons. Sometimes, we have ongoing damage to body tissue due to a chronic illness [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/chronic-illness], such as osteoarthritis. In some cases, nerve damage causes pain, such as diabetic neuropathy. But in other cases, our trigeminal system is literally working overtime. For people with nociplastic [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pain-chronicles/202302/5-ways-to-tell-if-your-pain-is-nociplastic]pain conditions, such as migraine [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/migraine] and fibromyalgia [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/chronic-pain], the pain comes from changes in pain-sensing pathways [https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00392-5/fulltext]. Pain signals are being sent even though no actual or potential tissue is present. Some people may even have a combination: chronic lower back pain can arise from tissue damage and pain pathways changes. All pain is experienced in the brain. And no matter what is causing your pain, you have a path forward. Behavioral pain treatment addresses the biological realities of chronic pain. Behavioral pain treatments [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556229/] can help alleviate chronic pain, particularly when combined with medication [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/psychopharmacology] and other non-pharmacologic medical treatments. That is because pain travels on specific types of nerves. Although the initial burst of acute pain after an injury is a big, bold signal to your brain, most chronic pain runs on smaller nerves that are easier to interfere with. So, one way to manage pain is to interfere with pain signals. Depression [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/216320], anxiety, stress, [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584617309855?via%3Dihub] and other psychological factors do not necessarily cause bodily pain. But they can impact the way your body perceives pain. You can think of pain signals like water trying to get through a hose. Some things, like depression [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/depression], straighten the hose and allow the water (pain) to flow easily through. Other things, like doing a job you are passionate about, physical activity, and spending time with friends, can bend the hose, making it harder for the water (pain) to go through. The water is still turned on at the tap, just like your chronic pain condition is still present. But just as it is harder for the water to make it through to the end of the hose, alleviating factors make it harder for pain signals to reach the forefront of your awareness. The way we react to stress plays an important role in how much pain we experience [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.1003]. Pain is a stressful [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/stress] experience. So we will likely respond to pain; however, we typically respond to other stressful experiences. When some people encounter stress, they plan for potential negative outcomes. This way of responding to stress may help you get ahead in your career [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/career] but is less helpful when experiencing pain. There is a reciprocal relationship between pain and functioning. The more you go to work, see friends, and exercise, the less pain you experience. On the other hand, it is clearly easier to function when you are in less pain. Therapists (occupational, physical, and psychological) all try to help improve your functioning while keeping your pain at a manageable level, because if your functioning improves, chances are, your pain experience will improve as well. So these therapists try to use times you feel best, like after a particularly effective medical treatment, to help you enhance your functioning so that you stand a better chance of reducing your pain experience in the long run. Pain is not your fault. “Shouldn’t you have healed by now?” Changes in your body or nervous system [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/neuroscience] are still producing pain signaling in your brain, regardless of whether any initial tissue damage has healed. “I think your pain may all be in your head.” All pain is in the brain. But your pain is perfectly real, regardless of whether it is accompanied by tissue damage. One type of pain is not more “real” than another. At the end of the day, when people living with chronic pain hear these kinds of dispiriting comments from family, friends, coworkers, and doctors, it makes us feel like the pain is our fault. Like, somehow, we are causing this pain, and if we could just be different in some way, the pain would stop. But chronic pain conditions are not a matter of willpower [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/self-control]. They are complicated, brain-body interactions that often require a multidisciplinary approach to effective management [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/leadership]. Behavioral interventions may help alleviate your pain; that does not make your pain less real. Changing your lifestyle may reduce your pain; that does not mean your lifestyle caused your pain in the first place. Changing how you react to pain may reduce how much pain interferes with your life; that does not change the legitimacy of your pain experience. That’s just how pain works. Because pain is in the brain and in the body. And if doing cognitive behavioral [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/cognitive-behavioral-therapy] therapy [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/therapy], physical therapy, occupational therapy, yoga, changing your diet [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/diet], therapeutic massage, or walking daily helps you manage your pain, that doesn’t mean it is less real. It means you are taking charge of your care, building your pain care team, and finding a combination of strategies that help you manage a legitimate chronic illness so you can re-engage more fully in living your life." *Chronic pain is different for everyone, but it is still chronic pain. Everyone's experience is valid! There are many different interventions that people can take, both physical and psychological, to help alleviate their pain. Regardless, that pain is still very real and not made up. No matter the diagnosis or if your pain is acute or chronic, pain is still pain. No one wants to go through it and I hope we can all support each other through it. How do you find your pain is best managed?* #AcutePain #ChronicPain #PainManagement Please find the full article at Psychology Today. [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pain-chronicles/202303/your-pain-is-legitimate] If you liked this article, you may enjoy this one! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/CommunityProjectsEvents_184/ArticlesandQuotes_2369/4WaystoGetSomePleasureBackIntoYourLife_287469/]
fruityPond7887 profile picture
How to Manage Chronic Pain for Improved Mental Health
by fruityPond7887
Last post
 February 27th, 2023
...See more "In the medical world, pain—the body’s way of telling us that something may be wrong—is classified as either acute or chronic. While acute pain tends to be severe but temporary, chronic pain can vary in intensity and persists for long periods of time. Sometimes, chronic pain is a symptom of long-term disease, but in some cases, it’s difficult to identify a specific cause.1 Chronic pain can be treated with prescription and over-the-counter medications, but the latest issue of Psychological Science in the Public Interest (PSPI) looks at how psychological interventions [https://www.verywellmind.com/psychotherapy-4157172] can be part of the treatment plan.2 Psychological Therapies for Pain Management Western medicine has long been in the habit of treating the mind and the body as separate entities, says therapist Susan Epstein [https://therighthelp.com/index.html], LCSW, who runs chronic pain workshops for her clients. "Medical doctors often look for mechanical/physical explanations of and fixes for pain, when the real answers lie in misfiring messages from the brain due to psychological, emotional, environmental, and even nutritional factors," Epstein explains. "There is more and more recognition that the mind-body is a complex interconnected organism and that holistic approaches may offer relief where surgeries or pharmaceuticals have failed." “CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on a person’s thoughts (cognition) and behaviors (actions) that are the source of their problem,” explains psychologist Sheila Forman [https://www.drsheilaforman.com/], PhD. In this case, the CBT therapist would help this person identify patterns of negativity [https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-change-negative-thinking-3024843] embedded in these thoughts with the goal of changing them in a way that would lead to a healthier way to think about and respond to pain. Biofeedback [https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-biofeedback-2794875] involves using sensors to monitor patients’ physiological responses to stress and pain, such as increased heart rate and muscle tension, then teaching them how to gain control over these responses.4 “This form of therapy is useful because stress exacerbates pain, so learning to manage stress [https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-management-4157211] can help manage pain,” says Forman. Other psychological therapies for chronic pain include supportive psychotherapy, breathing exercises, hypnosis by a trained clinician, and mindfulness meditation [https://www.verywellmind.com/mindfulness-meditation-88369]. What This Means For You Exercise, physical therapy, and different medications can all help with chronic pain. If you'd like to try psychological-based strategies, ask your physician to recommend a psychologist or therapist who specializes in this field. Online chronic pain support groups, like The Mighty [https://themighty.com/topic/chronic-pain/] and MyChronicPainTeam [https://www.mychronicpainteam.com/users/sign_in], are great ways to connect with others who live with chronic pain and understand the various challenges that come with it." *Chronic pain is no joke and no one should have to go through it alone. We may not always understand where our chronic pain stems from, so it's important to try and treat the chronic pain through both the mind and body because they are more intertwined than we ever thought. If we can learn how to better handle stress and any triggers that may lead to a flare-up of our pain, we could really reduce the pain we feel. Reaching out to a mental health professional can help us work through any possible triggers and this could holistically help us manage our chronic pain. If you struggle with chronic pain, do you find that treating it both mentally and physically has helped you?* #ChronicPain #HolisticHealth #PainManagement Please find the full article at Very Well Mind. [https://www.verywellmind.com/psychological-based-strategies-for-chronic-pain-management-5205535] If you liked this article, you may like this one [https://www.7cups.com/forum/CommunityProjectsEvents_184/ArticlesandQuotes_2369/LivingWellWithChronicIllness_298005/] on living well with chronic pain.
creativeLion6784 profile picture
Chronic pain that is unbearable
by creativeLion6784
Last post
 February 17th, 2023
...See more I was abused heavily as a child and have chronic pain from the amount my body endured as a kid. And because I'm so young no one in the medical field listens to me. When i go to the doctor and can barely even walk in there they just send me back home or I get sent in circles going from doctor office to specialist to psychical therapy. And i have a really hard time doing a lot of it because of the trauma involved. I am unsure how to meet my needs when my pain has gotten to be constant. And as it's a constant i get flashback after flashback. I've been in what feels like a flashback nightmare since late December. Christmas i was out and couldn't even put pressure on my knees. As i layed there it felt like my knees were going to snap inward. I can't even stand to cook or even shower and i feel help less. My mental isn't doing well and my Smi clinic (severely mentally ill) clinic isn't helping me. I'm alone in this because I'm in so much pain i don't see my friends anymore because i can't even walk and i am always grunting and groaning. I miss appointments constantly. I've quit so many jobs because the pain is unbearable.
enbyzzlingplatypus profile picture
How do people deal with pain
by enbyzzlingplatypus
Last post
 February 12th, 2023
...See more I don’t get pain that’s terrible compared to most people, but when it does happen it gets overwhelming very quickly, and I can’t do much else other than curl up and hope it ends. I spend a lot of time worrying about when something will start hurting again, and it seems there’s nothing I can do to prevent it, as I’ve been told over and over that I have no symptoms other than pain, so there’s nothing that can be fixed. Im spending most of my pain free moments dreading the feeling. I know that there is nothing wrong and nothing to fix, but I still want to do something, but I can’t. Every time pain stops I immediately feel as if I just can’t go through that again. Every time it happens it feels like the end of the world, but the world keeps ending over and over and I don’t know how to stop dreading the inevitable. Everyone around me says that they’re trying their best to help, that there’s nothing they can do, and it frustrates me when it shouldn’t because I know I shouldn’t feel like this, and I shouldn’t be afraid to feel like this. But I do, and I am, and I don’t know how to beat that.

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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