Admitting it exists is hard to do

wanderer

Seven years I have been struggling. That is hard for me to say out loud to the world. Other than my missus I have hidden it from everyone else. I never wanted to give it the space as it makes it more real, but I could do with some people around me who get it.
I dont allow it to stop me, I hike, a lot, I keep active. But it batters my body and mind.
I am finding it hard at the moment to start my days positively when every morning I wake up in agony.
Anyway, this is my first post on here, so thanks for reading. 
Lets see where it takes me. 

Albus_Scope

Hi again @wanderer and an official welcome to the community from me too.
As Beaver79 has rightly said, it's a lovely group of supportive people here, so if you ever want to talk about things more, we're all here to offer support. Sometimes just typing things out can be a huge weight off your mind if you're already struggling.  

wanderer

Thank you @Beaver79 and @Albus_Scope it is nice to find somewhere that people I am ging to connect to will understand. Although as a therapist it is slightly unnerving being on the other side. 

chiarieds

Hi @wanderer - & welcome to the community from me also. I can relate, as I have daily chronic pain, & yes, it can be a fight, but I manage not to give in to it (mostly). I'm also a long-retired physio, & often say I do the exercises I used to teach, as I'm also on the other side of the fence now! What sort of therapist are you?

wanderer

Good evening @chiarieds
I worked in mental health for 20 years and a counselling practice alongside for 12, also taught meditation and mindfulness to people. Nature, walking and meditation are my therapies. But sometimes I want to ignore all I know and curl up. But I don't very often. I've only ever spoken to my other half about it, so finding a place where I can I will be good for me. 
Therapists are the worst at taking their own advice.  

chiarieds

It's good to 'meet' you @wanderer - that's really interesting work; I must admit I'm with you....I should really pace myself, but it was the last thing I 'gave into,' even knowing it can help! I still don't use it as much as I should. I do use gentle exercise, distraction, & mindfulness too. I haven't got the hang of meditation, but do use diaphragmatic breathing to aid relaxation, reduce stress & pain, in fact I find it's difficult to remember how to breathe 'wrongly!'

You might be interested in this post, & please also contribute to it if you wish: https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/102784/resources-and-tips-for-those-living-with-chronic-pain

Albus_Scope

A friend is a therapist and you're totally right @wanderer, they do tend to be terrible at following their own advice.  But I'm very glad you have nature to help you decompress and we're all here for support or a chat if you need us.  

wanderer

Good morning @chiarieds nice to meet you too. Thanks for the link I will check it out when I get back later. I am always open to learning new things, so I will look forward to learning what other people use to help with pain.  
Thanks for the support @Albus_Scope its good to know.