Weekly Q&A Lantern Lounge: August 26

Welcome to the Weekly Q&A Lantern Lounge. This Lounge is related to our Q&A Lantern Project, where we answer some Q&A questions to help share support in the community. Just as a lantern illuminates a path, our actions and words can help others navigate their own journeys and find their way forward.

Instructions: Click on the question to be directed to the Q&A page on 7 Cups. Use the themes to help provide a supportive response that adds to the answers on the page. You can weave the exact theme phrases into your response as shown in the example. Using all the themes is not compulsory. Feel welcome to share personal experiences or other things that have helped you navigate the concern if you relate. Your answer will be approved by the Q&A Team on 7 Cups and you will be awarded cheers for your contributions. 1 example answer is provided for reference only.

Once you have completed answering the questions of your choice (or all of them), please post a reply to this thread and mention the question number(s) which you responded to. 

Questions to Answer this Week:

1. Why do I sometimes feel sad for no reason?

Themes: Common symptoms of depression, experience sadness, different ways, physical and mental health, support groups on 7 Cups, can be a normal reaction or emotional state, strategies to cope and help with mental wellbeing. 

Example answer: It must be concerning to feel sad without knowing what makes you feel that way. While experiencing sadness might be a common symptom of depression, there are different ways to explore whether your physical or mental health might be contributing to these feelings. Sadness may be a normal reaction to daily life events, and sometimes we unconsciously end up feeling that way. Sadness, like all feelings, is a temporary emotional state. There are several strategies to cope with sadness but I understand you would like to figure out what triggers these feelings. The support groups on 7 Cups such as the Depression Support chat room might be helpful to connect with others who go through similar concerns. Our community is here for you and we hope you feel better!

2. How do I approach someone that frequently ignores my questions via text messages and then texts me back without acknowledging my question as if I never asked?

Themes: Fear of rejection, possible explanations, various reasons, trying face meetings, asking open-ended questions, impact on self-esteem, silent treatment, group support, relationship challenges, anger, tips including using assertive communication and empathy to communicate concerns

3. How do I support my boyfriend when he wants time and space away from me to sort out his depression? It all feels like my fault and like he's dumped me.

Themes: important thing to focus on mental health condition and professional help, relationship anxiety, difficult time, self-esteem, healthy relationships, break is not a breakup, remembering good times, finding activities to do to support him, expressing thoughts and fears, family support, text messages, share any experiences.

4. Why do I constantly feel as though I am not good enough?

Themes: people experience low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt and self-image relationship, negative self-talk and thoughts, unconditional love for yourself, personal growth and improvement, healthy relationship, feelings of low self-esteem might come from things like childhood abuse or imposter syndrome, feelings of self-worth from self-care and affirmations, trying other different strategies, goals in life, support, challenges, approval, validation, wellbeing tips, journaling, exercise, acceptance and forgiveness

5. Is it normal to still want to be in a relationship with someone after they break your heart? 

Themes: healthy ways to move on after an end of a relationship, hard times, emotional support, long-term relationships, fear, friendships, activities, own decision, healthy relationship, sharing thoughts, avoiding conflicts 

6. Whats the best way to forget painful memories and a person who hurt me?

Themes: reframing negative experiences and sharing in a safe space, thinking of any positive aspects of recovery, challenging negative thoughts, strategies including self-compassion, contacting a professional for concerns like flashbacks, anger management, finding out what triggers the traumatic memories 

7. My father is always angry - what should I do? 

Themes: healthy boundaries, communications, strategies and skills, acceptance, outbursts, challenges like frustration, use compassion, manage thoughts and feelings

8. My boyfriend or girlfriend cheated on me, should we break up?

Themes:  broken heart, couples therapy, relationship problems, right decisions, anger, hope, break for a little while, loneliness, guilt, explanations, kindness, strategies like journaling

9. How to get rid of self harm scars?

Themes: depends on the type of scar, treatment options like laser treatments, skin grafting or reconstructive surgeries. Important to take care of open wounds. focus on emotions, mental health, family and support. coping strategies. self-esteem. scars don't define us.

10.  Why do I feel like I'm cheating on him still, even though we broke up months ago?

Themes: good relationships, strong feelings, self-esteem, emotional connection, new partner, anxiety, denial, commitments, friendship, trust, boundaries, betrayal, grief

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