SMART Goals and Chronic Pain: What are your goals?

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?

Your actions are commendable and obviously work for you, but with me the pain get so severe that I have to lay still.

I admire the SMART goals concept, but having suffered from chronic pain for almost the same amount of years I have been trying to lose weight, my biggest obstacles have more to do with SMART “obstacles” I always seem to be lacking: Support system, Motivation, Accountability, Results. and Tenacity.

@athenalee I like your goal of sticking to a healthier diet, walking, and some sort of excercise.

Congratulations on keeping goals in mind no matter the pain and repercussions. You are a fighter.

@tekkie3 Hello and welcome to Connect. You and I appear to be around the same age. I became permanently disabled at 47 also.

I'm sorry for your health struggles and hear you, and your desire for help with goals, living with chronic pain and obesity. Have you considered a pain management program?

@misspeach Hello and welcome! You are a breath of fresh air, Miss Peach. Thank you for joining the conversation. You offer great ideas and suggestions for self-help and goal setting.

Scheduling a daily dose of humor to distract from pain is a helpful goal to me and I faithfully do it.. Whether it's watching a movie, calling a funny friend, or listening to a podcast, take the time to be distracted in a good way.

@sueinmn You are very welcome Sue. We all can use reminders and reinforcement sometimes (including myself), and to know that we are not alone in the daily grind of chronic pain.

I started the SMART Goals conversation to inspire and motivate. It's easy to feel sorry for ourselves and give up, but that can be a dead end street.

"You get out of it, what you put into it"
I taught my kids this lesson at an early age. When I became permanently disabled, I took my own advice because I knew if roles were reversed, and my kids, or a family member or friend suffered from what I have, I'd encourage them in the same way.

The thing about it is often we are good at inspiring others with great advice but we don't always adhere to our own.

Small steps and staying the course. Keep up the good work Sue!

Thank you! My dogs, Spot & Tosh are a huge lifesaver for me as well. Everyday, they humor me in so many ways- even when they are naughty! Animals can be as nurturing as people, even more so!!!

I had a bi-lateral laminotomy at L4-5 at age 50, and have been getting a combo of epidural injections & RF ablations every 4-6 months since age 48 Rx pain meds as needed. This still helps to manage my pain fairly well and affords me the ability of limited exercise. My biggest 2 issues are lacking a support system and an aversion to exercise.

I was active in sports my entire life until age 44 (the onset of my back issues & arthritis). Was also never overweight until a new medication I was prescribed from ages 44-46 caused me to gain 60 pounds over a 2-year period. Now at 75+ pounds over my desired weight and every diet and exercise program under the sun, I feel powerless re: my weight. 😥

@tekkie3 Have you visited the weight loss conversations on Connect? By typing in "weight loss" in the search bar you will find various to select from. Here is one:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/video-qa-why-is-it-so-difficult-to-lose-weight/