So grateful for these online support communities!

[Linav_89]

Aloha everyone,

Today is my first day of joining any kind of support group for Depression and anxiety ever! So thrilled to be part of a community that understands the struggles of facing depression and anxiety everyday.

One area that I am finding my struggles consistently in is managing depression/anxiety with chronic pain. I use to play soccer (my lifeline) and after 2 knee surgeries, I went into a deep state of depression and gave away every piece of soccer related thing I had. I had no direction and hardly any hope. After 7 years of not playing the most beautiful game and being consistenly unactive, I am dealing with pain. Its also really hard to accept not being to able to play competively like before. I am on a better path and trying to remain focused on my growth and what I can do & my new passion is helping others.

What are some of your tips on overcoming chronic pain, surrending to what is and focusing on what can you do instead of focusing what you cant do? All the help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance and look forward to connecting with you guys more

[Kkimm]

You are very welcome. I really hope you will find it helpful.

Very best wishes.

Kim

[mer10]

Welcome! I'm new here too! I definitely understand your struggle. I went from an active softball and swimmer in HS to inactive in college. Have you tried working out? Maybe coming up with a fitness plan with a schedule may help build and work the muscles.

[Linav_89 in reply to mer10]

I am actually getting back into physical therapy starting this week! Super excited and trying to remain patient. I need to be patient with myself. Going from being so active to not doing much for years, I know I cant just jump right into like before. Knowing what to do and to actually do it is the tough part.

[Hidden]

Welcome! I'm fairly new to this forum as well. I, too, find comfort in knowing that others "understand" the struggles. I've bitten the bullet and am having acupuncture weekly, seeing a naturopath, going to talk therapy, and changed my eating habits a bit. I say bitten the bullet because they aren't covered by my insurance. But, these changes have resulted in a better me. A happier me. A more accepting me. A me who wants to live again! I've had to make my health a priority, redirecting my $ towards treatments that work for me. I hope for the best for you!

[Linav_89 in reply to Hidden]

100% agree! I think its important to look at where you spend your money. I have now shifted my food choices to promoting brain health and reducing inflammation. I was thinking of seeing a Functional Medicine dr and investing in a trainer that would help me with foundational strength and movement with flexibility. I need to acupunture, its helped me in the past. I do want to live and as you mentioned, I need to make my health more of a priority and doing something about it rather than having someone do it for me, which I know its all up to me to do anything!

[laxma]

Linav welcome to our place to talk. I too was an active athlete in HS and College and after college. I am sixty two and for the last 30 years I competed in triathlon and that was my identity and form of relaxation. I then had a illness that shut me down and with that came depression and anxiety. For two plus years I was depressed that i could not do what I loved then one day I went back to the pool and it was recreation time so I jumped in and played around and left the competitive mind at home. Three days later I went to swim laps and did 10 and I was beyond anxious but I did it - I beat the demon. I still struggle with anxiety and depression but I work hard to get to pool as much as possible to rebuild that confidence i lost. Basically I am recommending you just go out to the park or back yard to kick the ball around or find another sport that gives you that adrenaline you got from soccer then work slowly into that . It takes time so be patient and it will help you. Reach outside the box. Here for your support

[Linav_89 in reply to laxma]

Yes I see what you mean. I may not be able to play but kicking the ball can be just as good enough for me to be ok and to make peace with not playing (playing soccer meant the whole world to me and still does). I also want to look at doing other activites more like biking, hiking, swimming, yoga. I was told that I have arthiritis, so that was a hit to me because being young, I now look forward to life in terms of limitations but not at the same time. I really want to do a marathon of some sort but just overwhelmed. I joined here for the support and I appreciate your response.

[laxma]

Linav_89- The marathon is attainable - just find a partner or a group for support

[Linav_89 in reply to laxma]

I just had my first PT and the therapist said that running can be something I look forward in the future. Super excited. Now just need to find the group as you mentioned Thanks for your suggestions and help