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I needed to give myself an attitude adjustment

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Posted 3/27/2012 4:23 PM (GMT -5)
Sometimes, I find myself...usually in the midst of a flare, feeling downright sorry for myself. The last couple of days, I've felt like, why bother trying so hard anymore? I realized this is not normal for me.

Just coming back from a walk, I feel so much better. While walking, I did a lot of positive self talk opposed to the last couple of days where I focused on just the negative.

When we spend time focusing on the negative, it really does change our perception of things. I know it felt like I had myself feeling hopeless, and losing control. It was a scary feeling, almost as if I felt helpless.

I have been taking Savella for almost 4 years now. I know it is a SNRI, which is an anti-depressant type med. In the past, I've dealt with situational sadness but have never been diagnosed with depression before. 

Exercise and relaxation therapy have always really helped keep me from sliding down the slippery slope to a sad place for long. For me it has been my way of coping with the stress.

I believe that I need to be more aware of my emotions and when I start feeling overwhelmed...take more time to focus on my blessings and give myself a positive self talk.

Also know, if I start getting to where I am being plagued with sadness...I can't ignore it and will bring it to the attention of my doc.

Serious depression should not be ignored.

I'm not a strong person...I just work on trying to convince myself, I am turn     Better days ahead for all of us!

Hugs, Robin

Posted 3/27/2012 4:44 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Robin,

I like your positive attitude. Keep in mind when you walk you release those feel good endorphines. I've heard exercise is the best method to fight off depression. Keep up the good work.
Posted 3/27/2012 6:14 PM (GMT -5)
I have been having issues lately myself, feeling like nothing is right, nothing works, and I feel like giving up. It has been especially hard with my weight gain.

I have always been a little heavy, ever since I was a kid. Only ever about ten pounds, but I was always picked on for it. When I hit high school, I was 132 lbs; when I graduated, I was 145. But I was healthy. I put on weight after high school, and Ive put on 20 lbs (from Sept to Dec) in response to medications.

It has been very difficult for me to deal with this, as I already have a poor self-image, and it depresses me when I see myself in a mirror, or notice that none of my pants fit anymore. I have days where I get really upset, or worried that my BF will decide he doesnt like the changes to my body (which I know he wouldnt, hes not that shallow, but it always creeps into my mind).

On top of that, Ive had no luck with any of the medications Ive tried, and my pain has not been helped at all, nor my sleep.

I wish I could be as optimistic as you, Robin, but I just find it so difficult to do. I am happy for you that you can!
Posted 3/27/2012 7:57 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks... wink

All I know is it is easier on me to try to be optomistic....once I start with the why me? stuff, I can go down hill pretty fast...and climbing back up again takes work...so I try to make the best of the life I have without dragging myself down. I practice positive thinking because I still believe in myself and in spite of some crummy conditions, I don't believe my life is ruined. It takes practice to stop negative thoughts.

I try to interupt them and replace it with something positive.

I also know that, I will have some sad days ahead, feel down and out, and also think why me.....but I trust that I am commited towards doing what I can do to help myself can back on track. We can only try wink

hugs, Robin

 

Posted 3/27/2012 8:48 PM (GMT -5)
Robin, I am glad you are being open and honest. I had a rough day myself. I have been feeling wonderful and all of sudden it hit me hard. I have had the poor me syndrom bad today also. My health was poor today and it made me think is it ever going to get better. If I remember my mental health, believe it or not this is a easy time to dive into depression. It has to do with the sunlight change. It should get better. I tried everything to lift my spirits, except for a good cry. I finally gave up and layed down. Listening to music and talking to others helps me. It just must be one of those days! Tomorrow is going to be Great! Postive self talk.

Post Edited (ak angel) : 3/27/2012 7:51:22 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/27/2012 8:53 PM (GMT -5)
 

Robin,

Thanks for sharing your strategies for "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps"--they are all good ones! 

I think you're completely on the right track...it's so easy to get "stuck" in the negative self-talk when one is dealing with pain and fatigue, so we need to get into the habit of counting our blessings and being our own best friend.  Heaven knows it's not always easy, but the payoff is worth it.

Great posts!!  wink

Posted 3/27/2012 9:59 PM (GMT -5)
Robin good post

 I so have needed a ajustment,

I wont be able to see the rheumy doctor until May 3 because I couldnt make my last appt due to work

 I have been having a big pitty party because I just dont feel good

I feel as if I work and when I have a day off Im in pain and just flat out tired

And find myself  just wanting to whine,

I cant find the energy past work to do anything I enjoy,Im still trying to work up the nerve to just go part time

But havent got there yet LOL

And I usally make a postive note at the end of everyday and havent even been doing that

So after reading these posts I will start tonight back on track

My postive note is

Iam grateful for a place like this to be able to come and learn and  talk with others!

have a good night

(((hugs)))

always Renee

Posted 3/28/2012 6:48 AM (GMT -5)
We all go through these types of periods.  Who wouldn't with chronic pain?  But we can't beat ourselves up either.  I think we get down because of all the things we should be doing but have far more difficulty doing.  That doesn't help matters at all. 

 

But as Robin said, keeping a positive outlook is a HUGE advantage.  It has helped me more than any medications that I take.  Hope is the centerpiece of a positive attitude...that and faith.  We all have so many blessings...far more blessings then negative things in our lives.  But the negative things generally hurt and catch our attention.  Try making a list of positivesin your life and a list of negatives too.  I just bet that positive list will be far longer than the negative list.  Don't forget simple things like the beauty that is all around us.  So many times we are so caught up in what is going on in our bodies that we fail to notice the joyful beauty all around us!

 

Be sure to read the post on maintaining a positive attitude in Fibro 101.  I have to go back to that when I'm having a bad day.  It does help me and I hope it helps you, too.

 

Sherrine

 

 

Posted 3/28/2012 6:51 AM (GMT -5)
We are taking the best care of ourselves not only for ourselves and our family and friends,

but for those of us who are part of the Healing Well Forum

so we can inspire and possibly offer that one or more pieces of advice that might make a difference.
Posted 3/28/2012 10:49 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for your understanding and support wink .

My brother Mike was an example of what a positive attitude does for you. Back in 1994 on Valentine's Day, my brother was diagnosed with AIDS. His T-cell count was well below 200 and was told he would not make it to see Christmas.

Mike was determined, he was going to prove the doctors wrong. He had faith that he was not going to die that year or any time soon...his will to live kept him going and his great sense of humor got him through the rough days. He had the ability to put others at ease. Growing up, we were always very close and although we lived in other states we were eachother's confidantes. My brother and I spoke daily and he always gave me updates on his condition and the meds he was on. I was not computer savvy but got a computer and started researching differant options for him. I wanted him to live just as much as he did.

To make a long story short...my brother walked into a hospice with a backpack on cracking jokes with the nurses. He passed three days later...May 24, 2005. He died with a smile on his face. Metastic Ademocarcinoma of an unknown primary source is what took him in the end.  He did not want a funeral....but a celebration of life party.

We did celebrate his life....and I continue to do so. My younger brother was an example of positive attitude. I continue to talk to him

and I believe he is here at times giving me a push when needed.

Hugs, Robin :-)

Posted 3/28/2012 11:13 AM (GMT -5)
Robin, thank you so much for sharing your story--it made me happy and teary-eyed at the same time. 

I think from time to time God puts angels on this earth to touch our lives and set an example of what's possible, even in the face of great adversity, and I'm sure your brother was one of those angels. 

The fact that he still inspires and motivates you is a testiment to the power of positivity.  How blessed you were to have him in your family and your life!!

Posted 3/28/2012 3:25 PM (GMT -5)
there's no crying in Baseball. .. i hate when you feel down and no-one around understands ..sometimes i just need a little petting.
Posted 3/28/2012 3:55 PM (GMT -5)
Don't we all! :-)  
Posted 3/28/2012 4:05 PM (GMT -5)
We all want understanding...even if we have family and friends who are supportive...coming here, you know you are understood because we all live with chronic pain. We share our experiances and may find new options to deal with both the physical and emotional pain.

All our lives are differant but we share a common bond. Being here you know you are not alone :) By helping one another, we are helping ourselves.

This fibro family has helped me gain knowledge and my quality of life has been enriched by getting to know you all.

Hugs, Robin :)
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