brain fog

It’s been so long since I’ve written, but it feels like home right now. 😊

Anywho, a #fibroflare appeared out of nowhere yesterday and today it’s been #BrainFog city 🤭.
I decided to love myself more and after a whirlwind morning I’m
Sending myself and all #Spoonies this.
Live long and prosper. 🖖

One thing Mighty staffer @xokat has always found fascinating is how early people remember their childhoods and how clear those memories are. As you get older, health conditions can definitely impact your memory — from trauma to depression, TBIs to chronic pain.

How far back in your life can you remember? Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out?

#CheckInWithMe #MightyMinute #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #ChronicPain #Trauma #PTSD #RareDisease #Disability #ChronicIllness #BrainFog

Typically when people think of self-care, they think of: getting enough sleep, exercising, eating well, taking a nap, meditating, taking a bath or shower, or even going to a spa. But what if a rock concert is more your speed? Or Rockclimbing? Bowling? Backpacking? Fishing? Gardening? Deep cleaning? We are each our own person. What works for you may not work for others, or vice versa. There is no “right” answer as to what hobbies can and do improve our mental health. By sharing what helps you, hopefully other members will be inspired to explore those or other new activities!

I like listening to or making music on my drum. Recently I’ve found listening to podcasts can be very enthralling…entertaining and even educating! At the beginning of Covid Stay at Home I got some Legos and making things with them was fun and a great distraction…so it was a new creative hobby …and using colored pencils filling in mandalas and tattoo flash in adult coloring books (yes, they have these! They can be quite intricate and challenging …or simple) These were surprisingly therapuetc and calming! I love taking the time to create something, finish it, step back, and see the end result of my efforts. It can make me feel really good…proud, accomplished and empowered!

What have you found works for you?

Here’s a quick check-in for if you’re feeling self-conscious about your preferences…

Q: Does [insert hobby here] help you when you’re down?
A: Yes!

Conclusion: Then you’re doing it right, my friends! I am so glad you have found things that help you. Keep exploring to find new hobbies to expand your possibilities and new ways that you can turn to when you’re down or need a boost!

Please share those hobbies activities below — let’s see who has similar ones, or maybe ideas people haven’t thought about but will help them too!

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #Disability #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #Selflove #Selfcare #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar1 #Bipolar2 #BipolarDepression #ADHD #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #COVID19 #Migraine #Headache #RareDisease #HIVAIDS #PeripheralNeuropathy #BackPain #neckpain #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #IfYouFeelHopeless #Hope #CheckInWithMe #InsideTheMighty #MightyTogether #DistractMe #mighty #MightyMinute #MightyQuestions #BrainInjury #Concussion #BrainFog #MemoryLoss

—————————-

Fibromyalgia treatment types and experiences can vary from person to person. You may have tried (or are currently on) over the counter medication like acetaminophen or prescription medication like gabapentin or Cymbalta. Or perhaps you are currently trying (or have tried) physical or occupational therapy.

What treatment experiences did you have that did not meet your expectations? In what ways, if any, have you been pleasantly surprised? Share in the comments below. ⬇️

#Fibromyalgia #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #Spoonie #BrainFog #MentalHealth #Migraine #Anxiety #Depression #ChronicFatigue

Living with a health condition can be frustrating and unpredictable, even on the "good" days. When the "bad" days become more frequent — or even unbearable — and you struggle to get out of bed, are forced to cancel plans, or miss work, you might decide that you need a little extra support.

What made you seek treatment, either for the first time or after a length of time without it? Share your defining moment (or symptoms) in the comments below.

#Fibromyalgia #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #Spoonie #BrainFog #MentalHealth #Migraine #Anxiety #Depression #ChronicFatigue

So I reported recently that I have made great progress combating my apathy and depression by getting off meds known to have a side effect of apathy, and by finding out my brain was oxygen-starved from undiagnosed sleep apnea. But I still have fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), cPTSD, and I am still overspending myself as a 24/7 caregiver to my husband… so I still have daily struggles. I know that if I am not very careful, I could lose my progress and return to an unhealthy state where I am “frozen” hiding in my Nest all the time again.

Here are some things I have been doing to keep myself from slipping back into depression and inactivity.

- 30-minutes of sun lamp therapy within the first hour after waking (makes a huge difference for me regarding how alert I am and how energetic I feel)

- Taking a shower no less than every other day early in the day—even when I don’t want to (This is HUGE for me and I use it to mindfully transition from sleepy to awake by focusing on how wonderful the warm water feels on different parts of me.)

- Eating protein, fruits and vegetables for breakfast BEFORE having coffee, dairy, sugar or grains (I hard-boil eggs 18 at a time so they are easy to grab in the morning, and I put them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of basil/kale/cashew pesto from Trader Joe’s, with a small handful of raw almonds and a piece of fruit on the side. If I feel hungry later before lunch I have a small bowl of healthy grains, like meulsi. This helps a lot to provide energy

- Never skipping morning meds and trying to take meds at the same times every day to better regulate my body/brain chemistry.

- Less screen time and more looking out of the windows. I have my face in a screen a LOT as a way to escape, so I really need to ask myself what else I could be doing when I am tempted to scroll on my phone. So I look around the room to find one small task to do instead, like straightening or dusting—something that will help me move forward toward a happier, healthier life. On days this is especially difficult, I make deals with myself that I can justify some screen time after I accomplish a task.

There are lots more of these small habits that end up having a powerful positive impact on me over time. I have them on a note on my phone so I don’t forget any. Please share some of your strategies too.

#apathy #Anxiety #GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder #Depression #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Fibromyalgia #ChronicFatigue #SleepApnea #PTSD #BrainFog