Let's share some ways to heal our pain!!

[autumnheir]

Since this is the anxiety/depression forum, I thought maybe we could share our tips and things that help us get through?

What do you do when you feel down, anxious, fearful, or like giving up?

I love to light scented candles, it makes me feel special and pampered!

I like to do anything with hubby, read, to spend time in nature, (being outdoors always makes me feel happy--and it takes me out of my head), take walks, spend time with my dog, listen to music, take photos, paint, write, or some form of creative expression. I also find that there are always people who are worse off than me who need a listening ear....that takes me out of my head and my problems...and because I have so much pain I can be there for them in a very "real" empathetic way!

I like to look at other people's art!

I like to experience the season changes and participate in them (walk on dry leaves and feel them crunch under my feet in Autumn, breathe the crisp Winter air and watch my breath in go by in the cold air, take photos of my ever changing garden in Springtime, and sit under my favorite tree in the Summer, for example).

When I feel down, these things bring me comfort. I also like to sit with my heating pad for fibro and a cool wash cloth on my bladder area with some peppermint oil on it for IC.

Distractions are a great help when I'm in pain....but sometimes just telling myself I'm going to be ok and that I love myself and it's not a punishment helps too.

Anxiety is tough. I try to tell myself that maybe this time it won't hurt when I pee. If it does hurt, I won't die, and I will take it a second at a time. I try to focus on breathing and finding distractions. Yesterday I was in so much pain I thought I might end up in the ER! I put all of my energy into baking like my life depended on it. Today is hubby's birthday so I made him choc chip cookies and banana bread yesterday. The distraction saved me!!!

I can't wait to hear from others what helps them!!! We spend a lot of time venting (definitely necessary!), but I think it's good to find some positive solutions as well!!!

Have a healing, pain-free, emotionally positive day!

Autumn

[turnaround]

I have always felt better after a walk. Even when I am flaring, if I get myself up and out the door, I feel like I am stronger than IC. Hard to explain, but it makes me feel like I have some power over the pain.
I love the candle idea-I like watching the flames in our fireplace with my animals nearby. It always calms down the tension from the pain.
Great post!

[autumnheir]

Happy Friday, Turnaround!

I love your username!! :-)

You know, I wonder if that's part of why I felt the need to keep going the other "like my life depended on it" when the pain was a constant threat? To prove I had some power over the pain?

I think it's so important to feel like we still have options and choices. The IC pain can def. rob (meat least!), of that feeling. But I DO have choices!! Thanks for helping me seeing that (((hugs))) if ok :-)

Oooh! You have a fire place, you're so lucky!! I'm glad you enjoy it. I too love watching the flames...and I think it's great that you get to that with friends!!

Thanks for responding to this post. I def know I need a lot of encouragement to get through the IC pain...it helps to know I'm not alone!

I hope you have a happy, pain-free day weekend and that you have a wonderful walk and some time to watch your flames dance!!

Autumn

[dawnja]

I love having some reasonable weekend plans to look forward to. By reasonable, I mean things that IC won't stop me from doing. I am coming to some acceptance that I can't do everything that I may wish I could do, but I can really enjoy what I'm able to do. I love being able to go out to eat at a restaurant where I can get an IC friendly, healthy meal. I also love to walk in warmer weather, but since it is cold now, I have an indoor walking DVD that I really like. I try to make plans with friends for a sense of normalcy. I love taking classes when I get a chance.
During the week, I actually look forward to going to work. I have accepted the fact that right now, part time is what I need. I don't need to compare myself to moms working full time and think I should be doing the same. Those moms don't have IC. I appreciate the fact that I now have more time to enjoy my lovely, funny daughter. It is actually a stress reliever (usually) when we have her friends over and I plan things for them to do, like decorating cupcakes or doing their nails.
I hope everyone reading this can find some sort of stress relief today.

[ICNDonna]

I like to sit back in my recliner with pillows behind me and watch TV --- if I can find a good mystery, that really distracts me. I also like old movies.

If I'm feeling good, my favorite thing is going to the beach --- it's a little over an hour drive but I really love it there. Even if it's raining, I like to just look at the ocean --- if the weather is good, there's nothing as good as walking on the beach.

Donna