April 2012
20 posts
Thank you so much for showing support. That’s so sweet =)
Yeah I’m starting to feel a little better right now.
Yeah. And I’m entirely aware that it was all my fault for trying to take on an outdoor project that was way over my head (that I didn’t even finish yet, btw). But now I’m laid up, with icey hot patches on my knees and a glass of ice water against my forehead.
I really need to make more friends down here. This is not a one-woman project.
I took apart a fence today by myself. In the sun. All day. I’m paying for it. No matter, I’m going to put that same fence back together tomorrow. Because that’s just what I’m going to do.
No matter how hard we try or how well we treat our bodies, all of us will go through periods of time where getting up is simply not an option. And I’m sure everyone has their own methods of staying occupied when this happens, and the internet is a great tool for that…and we’re all familiar with the popular choices: Watching movies and television shows on Netflix or Hulu, posting to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, browsing Reddit or Pintrest. But I know that after a few hours of that, even if I literally cannot move, I start to feel lazy or bad about myself. So I thought about compiling a list of places to go on the internet that can keep us mentally stimulated and productive even when our bodies have given out on us.
The first one is a big one: Gain endless amounts of knowledge on various subjects with MIT’s free open courses.
Or with Yale free open courses!
Watch thought-inspiring videos with TED
Practice speed reading and reading comprehension
Make some money working freelance jobs in various areas of skill
Learn tricks and tools for every day life
If you’re a writer, this app helps motivate you past writers block
More free online documentaries
Please send me others that you use so I can expand on this list, and I’ll repost a finished product later on.
So, where do you go to stay productive on the internet when you’re stuck in bed?
That’s the conundrum of evil/beauty on the internet. It gives voice to nearly everyone…but at the same time…gives anonymity to nearly everyone. So we have to tread through all this shit.
Don’t ever wish that on anyone! Besides, those who you think have gotten an easy hand in life, usually have something in their hand that you wouldn’t want. Everyone has something. And even those terrible people who act out and mock us? They have their issues too. Some of us have it bad, and there is always someone who has it worse. We just have to deal as best we can with what we have and try to empathize with others as much as possible. Some people make it more difficult lol, but trying really helps.
Thank you so much for these messages. Really.
It’s complete silliness, I agree. Just don’t pretend anything for anyone’s benefit. Keep talking, explaining and educating as much as you can. That’s the only way to break down these assumptions and ignorances!
Also thanks, I’m glad to be back even though I’m back posting more again mostly because I’ve been in a lot more pain recently, giving me time to sit around on the internet…bittersweet!
We already know that exercise is recommended for anyone suffering from depression. In addition to therapy and drugs if needed, exercise is an amazing cure. It should go without saying that those of us with Chronic Illnesses would benefit from it as well!
For some of us, Chronic Depression is on our list of disorders, and we are aware and understand how to deal with it. But many others with Chronic Illness, Depression is not something they are diagnosed with, but something that sneaks up on them as a result of being bogged down by the stress, worry and lethargy associated with their other ailments. Once that feeling pops up, if you aren’t familiar with it it can send you into a feedback loop.
You’re sick, which is depressing, your depression keeps you slow, which exacerbates your sickness, which makes you more depressed.
Not to mention that exercise can actually help to lessen the symptoms of your illness itself!
And it sounds so easy to say, get up and exercise! It’ll all get better! Because quite obviously that’s unrealistic. But exercise does not have to mean running a mile and then lifting iron at the gym. For some of us, it can be setting a few minutes to stretch before getting up for the day which will put less strain on our joints and muscles later on. Some of us might be able to do some sit-ups, push-ups daily. Hell, some of us might be fully capable of pumping iron and biking all over town daily. It’s all about knowing your limits and being loyal to them.
One thing I have experienced that everyone I’ve spoken to tends to agree on is Water Exercise or Water Therapy. Swimming or working out in water is AMAZING for people with joint problems. Most people are able to do twice the workout they are usually able to, without suffering for it afterwards. Most gyms that have a pool will offer classes, and if there is one available to you I highly recommend it.
If anyone has any personal exercise tips on working out through your illness, please share with me and I’ll post them here!
Love this video. Especially the part towards the beginning where she highlights the importance and relief that comes with finally getting a diagnosis, and knowing that this is not all in your head, or that you are just out of shape. I really admire anyone who is able to come out and tell their illness story, especially when her career is one that most people would assume impossible for someone with Chronic Illness!
I am not autistic. I am disabled, but not to a degree where it makes getting on with life in an ableist world horrifically difficult. But I understand, and 100% agree, with many people’s issues with blue this month and the issue of being valued as a person. I may not face these issues every day of…
Brilliantly put! Thank you!