Lived Experience Forum

[MermaidHair]

Hello SANE forum 👋

I felt compelled to share this list I found of suggestions and things to try to get through some difficult times, thoughts and emotions.

I cannot credit the original creator unfortunately because I don't who it is, I just found it really helpful and insightful so I thought some others here might too 🤗

Is there anything you would add? 

If you feel like you hate everyone - eat

If you feel like everyone hates you- sleep

If you feel like you hate yourself- shower

If you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts- write them down

If you feel lost and alone -call a friend

If you feel stuck in the past- plan for the future

If you feel anxious about the future- focus on the present

If you feel like you’re not enough- list your achievements

If you feel you can’t control anything- organise something small

If you feel unloved - do something kind for yourself

If you feel no one understands- express yourself creatively 

If you feel restless- take a long walk

If you feel like giving up- remember a time you were successful

If you feel invisible - help someone in need 

If you feel too much pressure- do a simple task you enjoy

[tyme]

Thanks for sharing @MermaidHair ! That's so helpful!

[D1ng0]

Morning @MermaidHair, thanks for sharing this 😊

Some thoughts occurred while reading this list... I'm curious whether anyone has a similar experience to me, where several of these coping mechanisms (which are all harmless at their core) become harmful in my life, because I rely on them too much, and I tend to do things to extremes.

For example, emotional eating is the core of my bulimia nervosa. And to deal with negative emotions and chronic pain, I often will make myself go to sleep, which resulted in my bedtime being around 4pm and my day starting around 1am (I've had a heck of a time reigning that in). Organising things to feel in control, even small things, has fed into obsessive behaviours and been harmful.

So, I guess... the only thing I would add is that I've had to keep an eye on my coping mechanisms, because even good/harmless suggestions can lead to harm. The one about eating in response to negative emotions definitely raises a big red flag for me. (I know it's a list of broad suggestions, I just wanted to share my thoughts.) If using food to deal with emotions, stay frosty.

The ones about doing kind things for yourself, and helping others, I love those. I don't really have any religious or spiritual beliefs, but I do believe that putting kindness into the world often brings kindness your way, in return. And it helps push back against isolation.

[Snowie]

Such a good list @MermaidHair 

Thanks for sharing it with us.