What Do You Do When You're Having A Bad Day?

[Happy Head]

We've all been there but it wasn't until my T asked me last week how I handle my time when I'm having a symptom heavy day that I sat and thought about it. I was embarrassed with my answer but my T said they really are good coping skills. I just don't want to know how much time I *really* spend doing these things:

Angry Birds (on my phone)
Farkle (on facebook)
Walking my dog until she can't walk anymore
Lay in bed (OK, not quite as productive, but not destructive)

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

That is a good therapist question...hope I figure it out...TODAY!

 

[intothelight]

Hang out on the forum :D

 

[Ted Moen]

All good suggestions. I go for self talk, remindinding myself they are feelings related to old stuff, let them to the forefront while I am brushing my teeth and getting ready for the day, then go do what I would be doing if I weren't having the feelings. Sometimes the intrusive thoughts and feelings go away as I get refocused on what I am actually doing. Sometimes I have to take frequent breaks to let them process then return to doing what I would have been doing if I weren't having the feelings.

One step in learning to live better with PTSD is accepting that we have this flow of intrusive thoughts and feelings related to the old stuff (trauma and related things). Another step is learning that we don't have to act on those feelings. Another is learning to refocus on behaving appropriately in our current situation.

It takes a lot of effort and practice to learn to live better with PTSD, but it beats living out the old feelings over and over.

Ted

 

[ClairBear226]

Umm..... Wallow, isolate, hide.... and hang out on the forum. Did I mention "isolate", lol? Hmmm...maybe I need to work on that a bit. I'll get back to you. ;)

 

[Sandra]

Going to the beach and watch and listen to the waves.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Isolate!

I need to work on this one, too.

 

[Sammy]

Isolate. Isolate. Isolate. But then again, I isolate when I am having a good day.
Watch mindless TV.
Sleep.
Forum.
Go for a drive - weirdly comforting. My T says it is because I am in a small space (I drive a Mini Cooper) and I have control of where I am going.
Eventually I change to excessive activity... clean house, walk the dog and move until I can't move any more.

 

[ClairBear226]

Can I hire you, Sammy? Cuz I don't really want to clean much when I'm isolating. ;)

 

[raindownonme]

This thread has been sp helpful , Thanks again ~

 

[LawPhotos]

Isolate. Isolate. Spend some time thinking about how it isn't good for me to isolate. Isolate some more. Be grumpy. Stop talking. Isolate. Travel far away in my mind. Isolate until I am numb. Feel sorry for myself.

 

[Srain]

I will first text my Son and/or Daughter IL and let them know I love them, it doesn't cost me a thing and I don't have to talk.

I come here. I may not be able to write anything but I can let people know I am listening. I will to the "light side" Chit Chat and see what's happening. Read the funny things or look at the cute pictures.

I will call a friend and b*tch and moan until we are laughing about something stupid. I have to. If I don't laugh at least once a day about something I'm in bad shape....even if it's just how much I seem to complaining :confused:....end up being isolated and fined for that!!! The Whiner Police are not in the budget this year!!

I cuddle up with stinky Rudi and Big Girl, giving them snacks and cry. Get the tears out.