Sexual Assault Distraction as coping mechanism

[LucyLou]

Had a session this morning. She said how she'd been worried about me since last week because it was a difficult one, speaking about one of the r*pe incidents with little ones dad and I was in a "dark place" I've kept myself busy this week, so I did better at session today but I keep thinking how I'm just using distraction as a coping mechanism and I'm not getting to anything....I've said all this before, I know and I don't know why I'm even posted. I just feel a bit, I don't know....down and like I'm not doing the best for myself here but I don't know how to.
Is distraction a bad thing?

 

[Friday]

Is distraction a bad thing?

Not inherently. Nor inherently a good thing.

One of those… when is a problem, a problem? When it’s a problem!… things. And vice versa.

 

[arfie]

when i can achieve a balance with distraction, it is an immensely good thing in my book. i find fine and fuzzy lines between "distraction" and "deflection." in mindful doses, distraction can help me process trauma, etc., in slower, more methodical and healthy doses. alas, it is all too easy to hide behind my distractions. then it becomes a way to deny and stuff the pain, etc.

 

[Charbella]

I think distraction can be a great thing…until it’s all you’re doing and even then if ultimately your happy with your life.

Are you distracting until you feel able to handle it? If so that sounds like a good idea.

Are you distracting in hopes that it will eventually go away? You may want to rethink that because this stuff doesn’t tend to go away forever.

Are you distracting to stabilize? That seems like a good move.

 

[Lost in the Woods]

I think distraction can be a useful tool. I am going through some very painful marital stuff and I purposely distract myself part of each day by riding my bike or motorcycle or hiking. I just need a break from the emotional pain. On the other hand if you constantly run from one thing to another keeping the trauma two steps behind it might not be such a good thing long term.

 

[Sideways]

It’s a spectrum I reckon.

At one end, doing nothing. Fuels all manner of mental illnesses - ptsd, depression, anxiety, and on and on.

In the middle, healthy levels of engagement with the world, getting out there and doing stuff - which is super healthy and very helpful for combatting poor mental health.

At the other end, workaholism. Zero down time. It’s own form of poor mental health.

Finding balance, and then keeping that balance, is an eternal struggle for me.