Feeling scared

[Lan1]

I’m new here. Trying to figure out how it all works. I have a chronic health condition and a very afraid of the intense physical pain it causes me. It’s really affecting my mental health 

[GardensHeart]

Hi @Lan1 

Welcome for joining us here. You can share your stories with us here as well as read about others' story. Hopefully you can find some strength and get the support you might need from here. 

I would encourage you to have a read at our community guideline if you haven't already. 

Let us know if you have any questions or need any help. 

[Snowie]

Hi @Lan1 

Welcome to the Sane forums.

Perhaps you could start by telling us a bit about yourself.

Also if you want to tag a member just use the @ button and a drop down box should appear and you can tag Gardens Heart and/or myself.

Looking forward to getting to know you better.

[Asgard]

Morning @Lan1 

Nice to virtually meet you, glad that you have found yourself here.  Its a really great place to share how you are feeling as the community on here will always listen, support and never judge you.  Having a chronic health condition sucks, how can we help you?.......Asgard

[8ppleTree]

Hi @Lan1 

Welcome to the forums 🙂

Pain conditions can really wear things down at times. Sorry to hear that you're dealing with this. Do you have any supports to help you? 

I can hear that the pain is overwhelming for you. I wonder whether you have a coping plan in place? I ask because I have family members with a pain condition, and on the good days they just sort of get through, but on bad days it really helps to have a written plan in place, ie meds, warm shower, magnesium, where the frozen meals are, etc. That way there is no pressure, they can just do their best to rest and cope through the flares. I don't know whether that might be in any way relevant for you? 

Have you spoken with a pain clinic? I believe a GP can make a referral for you to see a pain specialist. 

I also did a search on our forums for other threads you might find of interest here 

We're here for you 🙂

[Shaz51]

Hello and welcome @Lan1 😊

We are hear for you 

[Lan1]

I have a chronic health condition which causes pain and is stopping me from living my life as i want to.  I am struggling to stay positive, I dont want to slip into depression but has anyone got any things that worked for them or words of encouragement. I try telling myself this too shall pass but its a stretch at the moment.

[Ru-bee]

@Lan1 I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this right now. I know it can be hard to see the light at the end when we're stuck in a dark place, but it's great to see you taking steps by reaching out here.

It's not easy to put yourself out there and share your experiences, and just doing that shows strength

[MermaidHair]

Hello @Lan1, it's nice to meet you and welcome to SANE,

I'm hearing you that your chronic pain is really impacting on your quality of life and the things you want to do making it hard to stay positive. Are you currently receiving any kind of treatments or assistance to help with this this?

You are so strong living with what you do, and you've already made it through 100% of the hardest days so far! Right now you might just be in need of a little extra help and support, ideally what could that look like for you? 

[8ppleTree]

Hi @Lan1 

Aside from getting through all the treatment options, one of the things I heard the other day was that sometimes we can't minimise the bad. But what we can do is practice maximising the positives in our lives and being very patient and compassionate with ourselves and others during those bad times, especially on days when the pain is bad. Note that it is a practice. There will be days where it is less easy and that is where the patience comes in.

Putting all the supports in place for yourself, ie cosy blankets, heatpacks, etc and also maybe looking into grief counselling or acceptance practices. It can't be easy for you to not be able to live the way you once could. Being sick isn't easy. 

https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au/  Might also have further information for you, in terms of supports. 

I have a condition that flares, and I also lose functionality. It has come with a sense of loss. It helps me to have gratitude practices and to always think, "what CAN I do?" and to rest when I need to. 

Always reach out if you're not feeling well. Connection is so important 💜