Emotions and awareness

[Davek723]

Hi everyone, things to remember during these testing times.

EVERYONE will see an increase in the following

Stress, anxiety, fear, heightened emotions, tears,OCD increase, panic also some will see increase in the opposite so joy happy tears laughter . I have probably missed a few but the idea is that most of these feeling are NORMAL

What is important is that if you normally have these that you keep in place many of the tools you normal use , so better breathing relaxation , distraction etc. Most of us with chronic pain condition know that all of the above are triggers that can increase pain and other conditions,

So more now than ever its important to do your best to curtail these as you normally do.

For guys who are experiencing these for the first time , I would say to pretty much everyone it is important to learn new techniques to reduce the effect of these, to prevent them worsening or lasting longer. Or leading to worse conditions.

Please all remember it's normal to be feeling this way , it's not just you. You are not alone.

Many thanks stay safe everyone.

Dave

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Thank you David, I'm sure this has reassured some of our members. I'm very lucky to have a great support network of family and friends and of course everyone on here and other forums I'm on. How are you feeling today? Take care and stay safe Lynne

[saj01]

Well said Dave... you are so right, negative thinking does increase pain. It's also important to steer clear of those comfort foods which can aggravate an already painful condition. We all get our 'down days' so if possible try to turn things around and think of what we can do, rather than what we can't.... mindfulness is a great help.

As you said, breathing techniques really do help to alleviate those anxious moments.

For anyone who wants to try it, there's lots of info on the 'net... but in a nut shell, it's breathe in for a slow count of 4, hold breathe for 4, breathe out for 4.... then increase it to 5, 6, 7 etc... depending on lung capacity. I keep my eyes close! by concentrating on breathing the tension in the body drifts aways. Hope that helps.x

[Davek723 in reply to saj01]

Thank you for the reply.

My hope of positivity from whats going on is, that the people who normally don't live with stress anxiety etc etc, may now understand what most people on here live with daily. And if and when life gets back to normal for them they will not forget what all these feelings are, creating a more understanding world.

We can live in hope.

I tutor for people with chronic pain so fortunate in that I fully understand and use the techniques daily already. Favourite is better breathing and I enjoy listening to a muscle relaxation. Lots on you tube if you haven't tried before. Good before bed time.

Thank you again, please stay safe

Dave

[saj01 in reply to Davek723]

Hi Dave... thanks for your reply... I guessed you were experienced in that field... my info was not for yourself but anyone else who read my reply. I do a bit of gentle exercise and some easy yoga, mainly stretching where I can to try to keep flexible and find the breathing does help too....

[Davek723 in reply to saj01]

Hi there it's good youve found things that work for you. If you do yoga you would defo enjoy a muscle relaxation. If you find the right voice for you it's almost hypnotic.

Thanks again

Dave

[saj01 in reply to Davek723]

Okay Dave... I'll definitely look into that... many thanks for the tip.