Building Hope Within - One connection At A Time

Struggling Because Pain has Taken Over Your Life? 

Join My Community and Learn Ways You Can Take Back Control

Are you or someone you know struggling with chronic pain?  Do you feel like it's ruling your life, dictating what you can and can't do? You're definitely not alone. I have to work very hard at this each day. It seems like I’m always doing something to manage and reduce the pain and finding some way to help me cope. It's hard to forget about it when it's always there, needing to be managed. So with the level of pain I’m in, it feels like a full time job. Correction, it is a full time job. And I have to be very organized. I have my pill reminders, appointment reminders, pacing reminders so I don't crash, number of spoons this task will use and how many I've got left, self care reminders, all the while thinking about consequences of doing this or that and asking myself if I can manage it…It’s a balancing act that takes up a lot of my personal time. 

Millions of people just like you are searching for ways to manage their pain and live fuller lives.  And that's where I come in.

I'm slowly building a supportive community dedicated to helping people just like you understand, manage, and live with their pain.  By signing up for my email list, you'll get:

A FREE Pain Tracker Journal: This valuable tool will help you identify your pain triggers, track your symptoms, and monitor your progress. Both colour and black and white versions are available. Download it instantly when you join! Look for the full version to be released in early 2025. 

Exclusive Tips and Strategies: I'll share evidence-based advice on pain management techniques, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies delivered straight to your inbox.

More Personal Inspiring Stories and Support: Connect with others who understand your challenges and find encouragement on your journey to pain relief. This is the stuff I don't talk about online because it's just too personal, but I feel it's also important to share with those struggling with chronic pain. It's important you know you are not alone. I would love to share these more personal, important topics, in a smaller, personal and more private way. I’m exploring starting a small, private Facebook Group for those suffering with chronic pain, where we can share those more personal aspects with others who get it and be a part of something bigger, like a supportive group of individuals who need no words to understand your pain. What are your thoughts on this? Would you be interested in joining a private Facebook Group where you'll find others struggling just like you? Locals, would you be interested in being a part of an in-person support group here on Galiano?

Early Access to New Resources: Be the first to know about new blog posts, articles, projects I'm working on, and resources I’m designing to help you live your best life, despite pain.

We Value Your Privacy:  We promise to never share your email address or contact information with anyone. You can unsubscribe at any time. I also won't spam you. 

Ready to take the first step towards a life managing your pain instead of your pain managing you?

What are you waiting for? Join my community today by clicking the link below or filling out the contact form right from my homepage, and start reclaiming your life from chronic pain!

https://share.hsforms.com/1fpEsIhnKR9Cp6PBYdEW4tgsb0xl

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To read more about the importance of tracking your pain and how it can benefit you, see my blog post here: 

Look for updates on the release date of the full version of my pain tracking journal, coming in early 2025!

*Now includes a black and white version!

#meredithhutton79, #chronicpain, #complexpain, #invisibledisability, #ComplexRegionalPainSyndrome, #CRPS, #depression, #anxiety, #PostTraumaticStressDisorder, #PTSD, #selfcare, #painwarrior, #spoontheory, #spoonie, #pain, #back pain, #neuropathicpain, #painmanagement, #SuicideDisease, #GalianoIsland, #Galiano

12 Inspirational Quotes About Mental Health

Mental health is an incredibly important topic, yet it remains shrouded in silence and stigma. Despite the prevalence of mental health struggles, many individuals still hesitate to share their experiences or seek the help they need. This silence perpetuates the stigma surrounding mental health, leaving those who are struggling feeling isolated and alone.

Open and honest conversations about mental health are vital for breaking down these barriers. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can foster understanding, empathy, and support. We can remind ourselves and others that we are not alone in our struggles. It is through these conversations that we can dismantle the stigma and create a more compassionate and inclusive society where everyone feels comfortable seeking the help they need to thrive.

This topic is close to my heart. I want to do my part in breaking down the walls by embracing my experiences and stories and sharing them with the world in a unique way. 

Something that always helps turn my mood around is reading motivational and inspirational quotes. Quotes about adversity and resilience, overcoming huge obstacles and mental health also internally motivate me, and put me in a more thoughtful and mindful state of mind. 

Below are 12 quotes about mental health:

#meredithhutton79, #chronicpain, #complexpain, #invisibledisability, #ComplexRegionalPainSyndrome, #CRPS, #depression, #anxiety, #PostTraumaticStressDisorder, #PTSD, #selfcare, #painwarrior, #spoontheory, #spoonie, #pain, #back pain, #neuropathicpain, #painmanagement, #SuicideDisease, #GalianoIsland, #Galiano, #mentalhealth, #progress

Callout For Blog Post Ideas: One Follower's Question - Talk Therapy and Chronic Pain - Does It Work?

On November 23, 2024 I created a form asking for your suggestions for blog post ideas and what you wanted to see on my blog (https://meredithhutton79.blogspot.com/2024/11/celebrating-70-blog-posts-share-your.html), I thank you for your submissions. I’m pleased to say that as a result, I got some really great ideas, ones I hadn’t thought of. Here is my first “reader request” post. I learned a lot writing it. 

Can Talk Therapy Really Help My Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is a relentless adversary. It affects not just your body, but your mind and spirit too. How can it not? While medication and physical therapy are often essential parts of treatment, you might be surprised to learn that talk therapy can play a crucial role in managing chronic pain as well. But how does talking about your pain actually help? Let's explore the different ways and the why’s behind them further.

The Mind-Body Connection in Chronic Pain: A Deeper Look

The mind and body are not separate entities; they are intricately intertwined, especially when it comes to experiencing and managing chronic pain. Chronic pain can trigger a cascade of negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, which in turn can intensify the pain itself. This vicious cycle highlights the profound mind-body connection in chronic pain. Let's look deeper into how these psychological factors can influence your pain experience:

• Fear and Anxiety: The constant threat of pain flaring up can lead to heightened anxiety and fear. You might become hyper-vigilant, constantly scanning your body for signs of pain, or ways your pain could increase, which can paradoxically increase your sensitivity to pain signals. Your mind and body are always on alert and it’s very hard to live in that heightened state of vigilance. Additionally, fear of pain may lead to avoidance behaviors, limiting your activities and further impacting your quality of life. This is something I’ve been working on this year and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. Fear of things getting worse, when you can’t imagine what you would do or how you would cope if they did get any worse, can have a negative impact on your overall mental well being because you are always looking over your shoulder and on high alert so to speak as to avoid the worst case scenario your brain is coming up with. 

• Depression: The unrelenting nature of chronic pain can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Imagine if you had severe pain that didn’t stop. Ever. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed are would be hard to do. Depression can disrupt sleep patterns, decrease energy levels, and impair your ability to cope with pain, creating a downward spiral.

• Anger and Frustration: It's natural to feel angry and frustrated when your body isn't cooperating. You might direct these emotions towards yourself, your body, or even your healthcare providers. These feelings can lead to increased muscle tension, stress, and ultimately, more pain.

• Social Isolation: Chronic pain can make it difficult to participate in social activities. You might worry about pain flare-ups, feel self-conscious about your limitations, or simply lack the energy to engage. This withdrawal from social connections can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, exacerbating the emotional burden of chronic pain.

Understanding the profound impact of these psychological factors on your pain experience is crucial. By addressing these factors through talk therapy, you can break the cycle of pain, improve your coping skills, and enhance your overall well-being. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Seeking professional help can provide you with the support and tools you need to navigate the complexities of chronic pain and reclaim your life.

How Talk Therapy Helps

Talk therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where you can actively work towards managing your chronic pain and improving your overall well-being. Here's a deeper look at how talk therapy can be beneficial:

• Understand Your Pain: Therapy offers a space to explore the complex relationship between your physical pain, your thoughts, and your emotions. Through guided discussions, you can gain a deeper understanding of how pain affects your life, your relationships, and your sense of self. This self-awareness is a crucial first step in developing effective coping mechanisms.

• Develop Coping Skills: Therapists can teach you a variety of coping skills tailored to your individual needs. These may include relaxation techniques (like deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation), mindfulness practices (to help you stay present and observe your pain without judgment), and cognitive restructuring (to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that can exacerbate pain). These skills empower you to manage pain flare-ups and reduce the overall impact of pain on your life.

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Chronic pain often comes with a host of negative thoughts and beliefs, such as "This pain will never end," or "I'm worthless because of my pain." These thoughts can fuel feelings of hopelessness and despair, making the pain feel even worse. In therapy, you'll learn to identify these unhelpful thought patterns and challenge them with evidence and logic. This process can help you develop a more positive and realistic outlook, which can significantly improve your emotional well-being.

• Improve Communication: Pain can be isolating, but therapy can help you break through that isolation. You'll learn how to communicate your needs effectively to your healthcare providers, ensuring you receive the best possible care. You'll also develop skills to communicate with your family and friends about your pain, fostering understanding and support.

• Address Underlying Issues: Sometimes, chronic pain is linked to past trauma, unresolved emotional issues, or mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these underlying issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms. By addressing these root causes, you can reduce the emotional distress that often accompanies chronic pain.

Remember, talk therapy is a collaborative process. Your therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. Through open communication and a commitment to the process, you can harness the power of talk therapy to manage your pain, improve your quality of life, and reclaim your sense of well-being.

Types of Talk Therapy for Chronic Pain

Different types of therapy can be effective for chronic pain, each with its own unique approach and benefits:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely recognized and effective approach for managing chronic pain. It focuses on the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through CBT, you'll learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that can amplify pain sensations and hinder coping. By replacing these unhelpful thoughts with more positive and realistic ones, you can reduce emotional distress and develop healthier coping mechanisms. CBT also helps you modify behaviors that may be inadvertently worsening your pain, such as avoidance or overexertion.

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): MBSR is a meditation-based program that teaches you to cultivate present-moment awareness. By focusing on your breath and bodily sensations without judgment, you can develop a greater sense of control over your pain experience. Mindfulness practices can help you observe your pain without becoming overwhelmed by it, reducing anxiety and emotional reactivity. This can lead to a greater sense of calm and acceptance, even in the face of pain.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT takes a unique approach by encouraging you to accept your pain rather than fight against it. This doesn't mean giving up or resigning yourself to a life of suffering. Instead, ACT helps you clarify your values and goals, and then commit to actions that align with those values, even in the presence of pain. This approach can help you shift your focus away from pain reduction and towards living a meaningful life despite pain.

Each of these therapies offers a different perspective and set of tools for managing chronic pain. The most effective approach for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. A qualified therapist can help you determine which type of therapy is the best fit for you and guide you through the process.

Beyond Talk Therapy

While talk therapy is valuable, other forms of therapy can also be beneficial:

• Physical therapy: Helps improve strength, flexibility, and function, reducing pain and improving quality of life.

• Occupational therapy: Focuses on adapting activities and environments to make daily tasks easier and less painful.

• Support groups: Connecting with others who understand your experience can provide emotional support and practical advice.

The Value of Talk Therapy: Finding the Right Fit

When talk therapy is the right fit for an individual struggling with chronic pain, its value can be immense and transformative. It's not just about managing pain; it's about reclaiming your life. Here's a deeper look at the potential benefits:

• Empowerment: Talk therapy equips you with a toolbox of coping skills and strategies to navigate the challenges of chronic pain. This newfound sense of control can be incredibly empowering, reducing feelings of helplessness and victimization.

• Improved Quality of Life: By addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of pain, talk therapy can lead to a significant improvement in your overall quality of life. You may find that you're able to engage more fully in activities you enjoy, cultivate stronger relationships, and experience greater joy and fulfillment.

• Resilience: Chronic pain is a formidable challenge, but talk therapy can help you develop resilience. You'll learn to adapt to the ups and downs of pain, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook even in difficult times.

• Self-Discovery: The therapeutic process can be a journey of self-discovery. You'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your values, and your strengths. This self-awareness can be a source of strength and inspiration as you navigate the complexities of chronic pain.

• Hope: Perhaps most importantly, talk therapy can offer hope. By providing a safe and supportive space to explore your challenges and develop effective coping strategies, therapy can instill a sense of optimism and possibility for the future.

Talk therapy is not a quick fix, but it can be a powerful ally in your journey towards living a fulfilling life despite chronic pain. Remember, finding the right therapist is crucial. Look for someone who specializes in chronic pain and who you feel comfortable and understood by. With the right fit, talk therapy can be a life-changing experience, helping you manage pain, enhance your well-being, and live a fulfilling life.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and any ideas you may have. To submit a blog post suggestion, fill out the form in the link below: 

https://share.hsforms.com/1EPF3rvrfQ1mQ_-A2EWFHtAsb0xl

#meredithhutton79, #chronicpain, #complexpain, #invisibledisability, #ComplexRegionalPainSyndrome, #CRPS, #depression, #anxiety, #PostTraumaticStressDisorder, #PTSD, #selfcare, #painwarrior, #spoontheory, #spoonie, #pain, #back pain, #neuropathicpain, #painmanagement, #SuicideDisease, #GalianoIsland, #Galiano, #talktherapy, #CBT, #ACT, #DBT

Galiano Island Undated Wall Calendar Now Available!

Happy to announce that my Galiano Island undated wall calendar is in full production and they are now available at The Corner Store Grocery and Liquor Store.

Price is $25. They are individually wrapped in cellophane bags to keep them clean, and there is a sample calendar you can look through. Being that they are undated, you can start them any time of the year.

Everything was hand drawn and coloured by me, and I am producing them myself. It's a 100% made and manufactured by hand on Galiano Island by me.

Thanks to all that have encouraged and supported me along the way. I am feeling the love.

#meredithhutton79, #chronicpain, #complexpain, #invisibledisability, #ComplexRegionalPainSyndrome, #CRPS, #depression, #anxiety, #PostTraumaticStressDisorder, #PTSD, #selfcare, #painwarrior, #spoontheory, #spoonie, #pain, #back pain, #neuropathicpain, #painmanagement, #SuicideDisease, #GalianoIsland, #Galiano, #Galianocalendar, #undatedcalendar

Exciting news for Meredithhutton79: A New Chapter for Chronic Pain and Creativity

I am excited to announce that the company name I submitted for review earlier this month was approved yesterday! It’s official that I’m official! 

I proudly introduce my new company, “Meredithhutton79 Chronic Creative Lifestyle Management”, where I am focused on creating new products and online content that focus and draw inspiration on both my experience with chronic pain and my creativity, which I use to cope. I will be sharing my personal experiences on how I navigate chronic pain and I am eager to bring my story to the world. I created meredithhutton79, to merge my two passions, chronic pain and creativity, and bring to you unique and useful products and online content relevant to living with chronic pain in today's fast paced and overwhelming world. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on my journey that has led me here to this moment. I am deeply grateful. A special thanks to those special people in my life that believed in me and my vision, believed in my ideas, and helped make it possible for me to realize that vision and go after my dreams. 

#meredithhutton79, #chronicpain, #complexpain, #invisibledisability, #ComplexRegionalPainSyndrome, #CRPS, #depression, #anxiety, #PostTraumaticStressDisorder, #PTSD, #selfcare, #painwarrior, #spoontheory, #spoonie, #pain, #back pain, #neuropathicpain, #painmanagement, #SuicideDisease, #GalianoIsland, #Galiano, #meredithhutton79chroniccreativelifestylemanagement, #meredithhutton79CCLM

The Difficulty Of Reaching Out When You Have Chronic Pain

Reaching Out for Help with Chronic Pain: Why It's So Hard and How You Can Help

Chronic pain is an invisible illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be debilitating, isolating, and emotionally draining. One of the biggest challenges for people with chronic pain is reaching out for help. I struggle with it and I know I’m not alone in this.

Why is it so difficult to ask for help?

There are many reasons why someone with chronic pain might struggle to ask for help:

Fear of judgment: People with chronic pain often worry that others won't believe them or will think they're exaggerating. This fear of being judged or dismissed can be a major barrier to seeking support. When you have chronic pain, and everything is a struggle, things like housework, self care and other simple tasks are hard to manage and often that means that those things don’t get done, are not done as often as you’d like, or to the extent they were when you were able-bodied. It’s embarrassing, and the fear of judgment is very real. It makes you not want people in your space and it affects your self esteem and feelings of self-worth. Chronic pain is an invisible disability, and often people don’t see the depth of your struggles because we are good at masking our pain and distress. This often results in us fearing we won’t be believed, or worry that people will think we are lazy. This is far from the truth. We want those things, but don’t have the physical or mental capacity to tend to them in the way that we want to, and that has a negative impact on our mental health and self esteem.

Feeling like a burden: Chronic pain can make people feel like they're a burden to their loved ones. They may worry about asking for too much help or becoming dependent on others. Again, I am not alone in this. When you need help with SO much, it’s hard to ask. You feel like a bother, a pest, and an inconvenience…which all add up to feeling like you are one big burden. A big part of that is not being able to reciprocate in the same way. I try and find other ways to be helpful to the people in my life that help me a lot and always show my thanks.

Internalized stigma: Unfortunately, there's still a lot of stigma surrounding chronic pain. People with chronic pain may internalize these negative messages and feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition. This really rings true. I know it shouldn’t, but it does. Chronic pain is an invisible disability, and us Pain Warriors are good at masking what’s really going on in our mind’s and body’s so as not to be that burden, risk feeling judged or being seen as lazy or not interested. It really hurts, down deep, when these things come up and It makes you feel badly about yourself for having “let” chronic pain affect you so much. That fear of disappointing someone, being seen as less of a person, and risk of judgement are huge obstacles in reaching out for help.

Difficulty communicating needs: It can be hard to articulate the complex and often fluctuating nature of chronic pain. This can make it difficult to explain to others what kind of help is needed. I struggle with this one a lot. There really aren’t any words I know of that convey how deeply chronic pain has affected me. How having my life ripped out from under me in a matter of seconds, only to happen again a year later, leaving me living with crippling pain, mental health issues, including both severe medical and physical trauma PTSD, and forever altering the trajectory of my life…how do you accurately describe what that does to a person? How deep that cuts? It’s hard to know where you need help the most, as you need help with all of it. Where do you start, because needing help on this level is overwhelming and putting it into words can be hard. When you need help with multiple things, things that then turn into multiple big things, it can be hard to break them down into smaller tasks that someone could help with. And sometimes it amounts to the simple fact that you feel stupid even asking and are embarrassed about what you need help with.

Fear of vulnerability: Asking for help requires vulnerability. For some people, this can be a very difficult thing to do, especially if they've been let down in the past. For many Pain Warriors, opening up about your pain and struggles can feel like exposing a raw nerve. It takes courage to admit that you need help, and it can be scary to put yourself in a position where you might be rejected or dismissed. This is especially true for people who have experienced trauma or have had negative experiences with healthcare providers. The fear of being hurt or disappointed again can be a powerful deterrent to seeking help.

What can friends and family do to help?

If you have a loved one with chronic pain, here are some things you can do to support them:

Believe them: The most important thing you can do is to believe your loved one when they tell you they're in pain. Don't minimize their experience or question their symptoms.

Offer practical help: Ask if there are any specific tasks you can help with, such as grocery shopping, cooking, or cleaning. Even small gestures can make a big difference.

Be a good listener: Sometimes, just having someone to listen without judgment can be incredibly helpful. Let your loved one talk about their pain and how it's affecting them.

Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about chronic pain and the specific condition your loved one has. This will help you to understand their experience and provide better support.

Be patient: Chronic pain can be unpredictable. There will be good days and bad days. Be patient and understanding, and offer your support even when things are tough.

Encourage professional help: Gently encourage your loved one to seek professional help from a doctor, therapist, or pain specialist. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments.

Respect their limits: Don't pressure your loved one to do things they're not comfortable with. Respect their limits and understand that their needs may change from day to day.

Avoid giving unsolicited advice: Unless you're a medical professional, avoid giving unsolicited advice about treatments or cures. Instead, focus on listening and offering support.

Check in regularly: Even if your loved one doesn't ask for help, check in with them regularly to see how they're doing. Let them know you're there for them.

Reaching out for help is a crucial step in managing chronic pain, but it's undeniably challenging. The fear of judgment, the feeling of being a burden, internalized stigma, and the difficulty of communicating needs can create significant barriers. However, by fostering understanding, empathy, and open communication, we can create a supportive environment where individuals with chronic pain feel empowered to seek the help they need and deserve. Remember, everyone experiences chronic pain differently and you're not alone in this journey. The best way to support your loved one is to listen to them, believe them, and offer your help without judgment. By doing so, you can help them to feel less alone and more empowered in their journey with chronic pain. Together we can break down the barriers and build a more compassionate world for those living with chronic pain.

#meredithhutton79, #chronicpain, #complexpain, #invisibledisability, #ComplexRegionalPainSyndrome, #CRPS, #depression, #anxiety, #PostTraumaticStressDisorder, #PTSD, #selfcare, #painwarrior, #spoontheory, #spoonie, #pain, #back pain, #neuropathicpain, #painmanagement, #SuicideDisease, #GalianoIsland, #Galiano, #reachout, #reachingout, #itshard