What keeps you going?
 

After a really crappy week physically and mentally dealing with PCS and PTSD all I want to do is throw in the towel. What do you do to keep positive and keep moving ahead?

There were times in the past 19 months that the only thing that kept me going was:

My belief in God's power to heal me or at least make my life of use to myself & others.

And that eternal life awaits me through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

What kind of cognitive rehab are you doing?

Could some of your rehab effort be pushing you too hard?

One thing that helps me is to focus on today with a simple look toward the future. Too much angst about the past and worry about the future is very counterproductive.

There is not a magic window for cognitive rehab. Getting improvement with your physical injuries and head aches should be the priority. You can always work on the cognitive issues once the others symptoms are better.

What keeps me going (actually there's several things, but I'll mention just a couple for the moment) is dedication to learning disciplines. During more robust times I studied martial arts, and although it was painfully slow due to my physical limitations, I kept telling myself not to give up. It took some 20 years to earn a first-degree black belt in karate, but I accomplished it.

With my condition weaker lately the karate is mostly out, so I turned myself to intellectual pursuits. I study the Japanese language every day. I think it takes me much longer than a normal person, as I mostly forget everything as soon as I learn it. But I will stick it out, looking forward to the day I can converse fluently with my Japanese friends.

Having goals like this gives me a youthful outlook on life and gives me a reason to live for tomorrow. As long as I can see some kind of daily advancement, I feel satisfied.

I'd have to say the only thing that keeps me going is God and my son.

Without them I would have gave up this fight long ago.

I think it's important to find non-stressful activities that we can still do to give our lives meaning. This might mean adopting a new hobby or just doing small things for friends or family members. Many of us feel like we don't have much to offer, but there's always something nice we can do for someone, even if it is only offering kind words here and there. And these sorts of small acts can make a big difference in the long run--both for ourselves and for others.

The bottom line is that even with all of our current limitations, we can still make a difference. If we aren't engaged in some kind of meaningful activity or work, most of us quickly descend into depression and apathy. We need to look for ways in which we can still do meaningful activities and make meaningful contributions to society in spite of our limitations. It's not easy, but it can be done.

Viktor Frankl said,

"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one last thing: the last of the human freedoms--to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."

For some, posting on this forum is a way to provide a service to others and make something good come out of one's suffering, For some, it may be something as simple as cooking dinner for a loved one once in awhile, or reestablishing contact with an old friend. For some, it may be honing a talent or working on a hobby and sharing it with others.

In my own case, I'm still able to play piano for short periods of time--like half an hour or less--and I'm able to learn new pieces too. Even though I can't spend much time at the piano, it makes a world of difference in my mood if I just sit down and briefly play once or twice a day, especially if I can learn a new piece. I'm still able to invite friends over once in awhile and cook dinner for them, and I find this to be very rewarding.

We need to learn to become satisfied with much smaller accomplishments than what we're used to--both personal accomplishments and services given to others. Maybe we can ask ourselves early in the day,

"What can I do today to be of service to others?"

or

"How can I best care for myself today?"

When it comes to being of service to others and caring for ourselves, the little things can add up and make a very big difference.

Peace,

Pete

Thank you Pete. Your words hit home because its exactly what my therapist told me last week. I have to find meaning in life and if that means a new meaning I need to do it.

My hobby prior to the accident was running but I'm no longer able to run due to the the activity induced migraines I get. I also was big into scrapbooking but after the accident I lost that creative part of myself/brain and can no longer do that hobby either. Thankfully I have a great friend who came over and taught me how to knit so I now have something new to do. I'm keeping it simple and only doing simple projects as following patterns and instructions right now would probably make my head explode as I can't process new information.

I do feel good when I can do little things for myself or my friends/family but it seems so far and few between when I can do it.

My baby. She is my hope. I have to get better for her.

kccat,

Knitting sounds like a great hobby to develop. Maybe you could knit gifts for friends and family.

I know exactly what you mean when you say that it feels far and few between to do these little things for people. Maybe this is where the challenge comes in to try to become content with smaller accomplishments and more modest goals--but I know that this is easier said than done. It may help to remember that seemingly small acts of kindness can really have a profound effect on people, especially over time.

Take care,

Pete

Hi Kccat
 

I think that having all this on your plate is hard. So many of us here have some of the same issues piling, one on top of the other. I also know that Cleveland clinic is one of the best, and you will be in good hands. When my depression gets bad, I come back here, no question about that. I also try and distract myself from as my negativity as I can. I am a pain patient. I read alot, in fact so much sometimes I have to be careful of my fused neck. This takes me to any place, except the place where I am at. I pray alot too. I use the area I live in to celebrate God and nature. I try to keep with friends who are upbeat. However, sometimes depression is an issue, as well as all my other medical problems and family problems. I vent right here, and have gotten the support I need to move forward and not wallow in my pain and depression. I listen to music, and get a foot massage when I can. Having support around you at home is ever so important. I hope you have someone in your life to be a friend and lean on. I am here for you anytime. I am glad you found this site, it has help me more than councellors. ginnie