What Do You Do To Get Through Really Bad Times?

[Leisel]

I'm having a pretty rough night but instead of relapsing, I'm trying to think of coping skills and do whatever is reasonable. Here are some I have come up with.

-try to feel and see if I'm hungry. If so, make a meal that I like, and eat it.
-watch fun shows. There's a new Netflix cartoon called "Home" that's a kid show about a girl living with an alien and it's so fun, heartfelt, colorful. I like that one.
-listen to music from people who have also experienced trauma or mental illness. I have a whole playlist. A lot of Demi Lovato and Lady Gaga, for example.
-look at the sky and notice the colors

Sometimes I feel like I'm running out of coping skills so I thought it might help to share. What are a few of your "go-to"s?

 

[Deadman]

I hit things. With a stick. Over and over.

Only inanimate things ;)

 

[Deadman]

Oh. It helps if you name the thing after what you are down about first.

 

[joeylittle]

Very minorly re-arrange cupboards. Nothing where it's actually a disaster area...more like hmmm, I wish more things fit in here.

Wash dishes. I find it simple and for some reason it helps m get into the present moment. I'll wash clean dishes.

Weird little tasks that I normally never do. Like taking apart my coffeemaker and cleaning it thoroughly.

What's funny is, I'm really not a good housekeeper. But doing very small, totally optional-type tasks does help me a great deal.

 

[MisterCatLady]

Depends how much energy I have. On super depressive days i cuddle my cats while i listen to podcasts. Sometimes I listen to guided meditations on YouTube.

When I have more energy I volunteer at my local animal shelter. Those dogs help me so much more than I help them. I love being in nature. It helps me to feel present. Journaling helps. I keep a running list of things that help so I don't have to put thought into it in the moment.

 

[The Albatross]

Nature walks, star gazing, or swimming. Flying a kite, laying in the grass looking at clouds and trying to see/ID the shapes. Looking for rainbows. Enjoying smells like spices, baking or flowers. Just some more... petting my dog or cat... hearing the purr of a cat. All assistive for me.

 

[Ally2016]

I'm having a pretty rough night but instead of relapsing, I'm trying to think of coping skills and do wh...

You have an excellent attitude. For me my go to's I practice daily-
mindfulness meditation - for anxiety, to help me sleep. I got them from YouTube. Just key in mindfulness meditation for anxiety or for sleep.
Journaling - with mindfulness it helps me to keep in touch with how I'm feeling. If I disconnect from myself I get lost.
Downloaded the headspace app - if you can I recommend. It goes through mindfulness - daily meditations - short and helpful.
Distraction - I also distract with funny movies, artwork expression, cooking, baking, helping others.
Be nice to yourself - a lot of us have to learn this. You sound like your working really hard, give yourself a break and do something else you really enjoy. Do as many things as you can to bring joy into your life that do not involve self destruction. Go for an ice cream or walk in the park . Learn a new language. I'm learning French and I'm really enjoying it from this app duolingo. Only you know what things bring you joy. Sometimes we work too hard and need a break.
Practice sleep hygiene and eat regularly. If we get the basics right, we are making ourselves stronger just don't forget your physical health too. And lastly learn about dbt - mindfulness is one part of it. Just google it. It's worth the time. It's helpful for everyone not just a set group of people, just think of it as extra skills cos that's all it is. All the best.

 

[I need to heal]

Used, abused, bullied & beaten down
Like a hamster on a wheel - that endless cycling round
The black wheel of pain, our constant struggle to stay sane
Cruel world is it time to now go.... or do we try again & attempt to remain.
How to wipe the slate clean with so much pain embedded deep
How to close down those thoughts that prevent us from sleep.....

 

[Heather]

Some days I just want to hide under my covers. When I regain some momentum I like to get things done I.e. make phone calls, clean my apartment.

Fun stuff: go shopping, take long car rides, if a nice day...lay on my daughters trampoline, feel breeze and warmth of the sun...while looking at the blue sky. Very relaxing and peaceful.

 

[blackandwhite2017]

Things I do:
- Take a walk in nature
- Cuddle with dog and cats
- Run until I am out of breath
- Have sex
- Write thoughts down in personal journal

 

[ElleMackk]

I also allowed myself a bad day(s) because it happens. I gave myself permission almost.. and I eventually got rid if the guilt of having a bad day and not a good one. Plus, the next new day isn't that far away.

 

[Lady Moonlight]

Usually I hug my favorite stuffed animal. I try to call a friend. I always think about my kids. That's usually first. If I'm able, I'll put a nice movie on or the TV. Something to distract me just enough.
If it's daytime, getting fresh air is always a nice one. A walk or sitting on the porch. Maybe do a little online window shopping. Think about things I still want to do, places I want to go, things I want to buy, goals I haven't finished yet. Future things. Those are some of the things I do most often.