To add another element to the conversation; distraction, like listening to your favorite music, or even writing posts or poems, stories are effective if you create a healing tale- even better! Of course funny films are notorious for pain relief, and I use therapuetic baths every evening, which relaxes the muscles we tend to hold tight all day in coping. I'm joining a group experience soon, to reflect on and explore the psychosomatic aspects of the pain, which has been roving for nine years. Yes, I have severe depression also- enjoying even a few minutes of comfort is so, so wonderful! That alone helps me get through.

You're absolutely right @kenc, there is no denying that depression accompanies pain, it's bound to be present. Setting even the simplest of goals can help to start combatting depression. One goal I focused on to begin helping pull myself from depression was to list my abilities. I literally wrote down the simplest of things that I was able to do in my C life, forget about my A life, that was over and never coming back. As chronic pain sufferers, its easy to get down on ourselves and focus on what we've lost or cant do anymore, but what about what we can do?

For me, it took being very real and honest with myself to start appreciating what I was taking for granted that others may not be so lucky to have, or be able to do. For example; tonight I am typing on a computer, reading, and participating in a supportive Connect community. Not everyone has the ability to see, read and type due to various health issues, myself included at times.

I know that focusing on the positive is not always easy and there will be set backs, but sometimes its all we have in the moment. As part of my goal I began keeping a daily gratitude journal and writing things like my small win of the day, which might be helping someone on Connect, or drinking more water and eating less sugar.

Having an optimistic outlook, believing things can be better, and believing you have the power to help yourself is all a part of goal setting. What goals to help combat depression can you think of that might work for you @kenc?