[noodle_82]

Hi

I haven't been here in ages for lots of complicated reasons so hope its ok to post.

I can't bear to go into details but I am in so much pain that I just don't know what to do. I feel beyond desperate and have tried all the coping strategies I can- shopping, walking, listening to music, taking a bath, baking. (and some bad ones too) but the pain keeps coming back stronger. i have no one to talk to about it and i live on my own. i have been out of the house all day as i cannot bear to be alone with my thoughts.

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions as I am at the end of my rope. i cannot take this pain any more.

Thanks for reading

Fighting the pain doesn't work and you're on the right track with the strategies. The problem is that you're still thinking about whatever is causing the pain so it doesn't stop. The distractions aren't distracting. Try meditation. There's some good ones at www.audiodharma.com and www.dbtselfhelp.com and you can find apps for the phones and tablets. Pick one that's really short. The key is to find something you can do that takes your mind off of it completely even if only for a few seconds. It's not easy...I do understand where you are coming from, but don't give up. Maybe something physically active...a video game or running or doing a sport. I know it's hard to do anything when you are in pain. You feel as though you deserve it to some degree and it zaps away your energy, but you have to fight that feeling and keep trying until you find something that helps.

[greentires4me]

I self medicate with advil I take 2x 400mg every 6hours or so...or I would drink...those of are the two that i would do and have done...its not something everyone should take up.

But if you have psychiatrist ask about tergetol its a pain reliever heavy but used as a prn is very helpful in times of need.

it all about slowing the progression of the pain down before its too heavy to handle...I suffer from chronic back pain and all the things I have mentioned above worked for me in the past and present.

[clash]

i usually take ibuprofen and something

Originally Posted by clash

i usually take ibuprofen and something

...emotional pain.

[lynn P.]

I'm sorry you feel so desperate and nothing is helping. I assume you're speaking of emotional pain ....is that correct? If so, I agree with Maranara finding a simple meditation/slow breathing, since this calms the mind and doing distraction. Make a list of the problems and only deal with the ones that have some solution - take baby steps and small goals, so you don't overwhelm yourself.

Exercise and healthy eating also helps. Do you have a therapist to vent to? Fighting the pain can sometimes make it worse and this is where acceptance helps. This doesn't mean giving up but just being realistic. Often looking for a solution that's not working, just makes the pain worse. I hope things get better for you soon.

Originally Posted by greentires4me

I self medicate with advil I take 2x 400mg every 6hours or so...or I would drink...those of are the two that i would do and have done...its not something everyone should take up.

But if you have psychiatrist ask about tergetol its a pain reliever heavy but used as a prn is very helpful in times of need.

it all about slowing the progression of the pain down before its too heavy to handle...I suffer from chronic back pain and all the things I have mentioned above worked for me in the past and present.

One warning about taking ibuprofen for this purpose. Ibuprofen, taken in large amounts over a long period of time is known to cause depression in some people. I can take it for a few days and then the depression starts with me, and when you're already prone to depression, that is not a good thing. This obviously doesn't affect everyone this way, but I've had problems with it and it is a known side effect for some people so I wanted to point it out.

Originally Posted by nevergoodenough

...emotional pain.

I knew that...it was pretty obvious by your thread. I hope my ideas help you figure something out.

Originally Posted by lynn P.

I'm sorry you feel so desperate and nothing is helping. I assume you're speaking of emotional pain ....is that correct? If so, I agree with Maranara finding a simple meditation/slow breathing, since this calms the mind and doing distraction. Make a list of the problems and only deal with the ones that have some solution - take baby steps and small goals, so you don't overwhelm yourself.

Exercise and healthy eating also helps. Do you have a therapist to vent to? Fighting the pain can sometimes make it worse and this is where acceptance helps. This doesn't mean giving up but just being realistic. Often looking for a solution that's not working, just makes the pain worse. I hope things get better for you soon.

The radical acceptance does help. Tell yourself out loud, "I am feeling _____________ and there's nothing I can do about it, but I CAN change the way that I feel about it." Also, write two lists....one of things you can't change...how you are treated by others, the behavior of others, etc, and things you CAN change...how you react towards others, etc. Focus on the CAN and physically lock the others up in a safe or jewelry box or somewhere as a symbolic way of saying I can't do anything about these but I CAN work with these others.....