Weekly Prompt #29: How do you handle setbacks or relapses in your journey with depression?
Welcome back, group! I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week.
Last week we discussed: How do you practice self-compassion when struggling with depression? Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts and questions for discussion. They were thought-provoking questions and thoughts. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you
This week's prompt: How do you handle setbacks or relapses in your journey with depression?
@ASilentObserver
I just always try to get back up. Life is going to knock you down, we're not perfect. We will slip up and fall but I owe it to myself to not stay down there.
@ASilentObserver
I hide. I bury myself in books, video games and YouTube. I try to cry until I pass out. I haven't been able to actually cry since I ran out of money for a one on one therapist. I guess I don't really deal with it. I just hide until enough time has passed that I feel like I can try again.
@JustMeAlways It sounds like you have found some ways to cope with difficult feelings by hiding and distracting yourself. Hiding and distracting ourselves can sometimes provide temporary relief, but it can also prevent us from truly addressing the root causes of our pain. Have you experienced any benefits to dealing with your depression head-on, even if it feels challenging?
@ASilentObserver
No. The only thing I notice from going head on against my depression is losing the people I care for. I apparently scare them when I confront my issues and talk about my feelings around them. It is better to hide and still have them around then have them scatter and be truly alone.
@JustMeAlways I hear you how dealing with depression can feel overwhelming and challenging at times. It's understandable that wanting to avoid pushing loved ones away is important to you. What are some ways you've found to open up and communicate your feelings while also maintaining healthy boundaries?
@ASilentObserver I haven't. The only place I found to open up is therapy. It was a safe place for me. I no longer have that option, so I turn to forums and chat groups. It isn't the same, but it keeps the demons at bay.
@JustMeAlways I am sorry to hear that you lost your safe space. It feel challenging to find new ways to open up and communicate your feelings while maintaining healthy boundaries. please know we are all here with you and, taking small steps towards opening up and finding supportive spaces can make a difference.
How I handle setbacks or relapses depends on what was studied, integrated and practiced while things weren't such a colossal mess.
@communicativePond1728 That makes sense, it sounds like you've found that learning how to cope with challenging situations is important when things get tough. What has been most helpful for you in staying on track?
@ASilentObserver not sure. Is there any one thing one may find helps them stay on track, or is it many things, in a complex mix depending on scenario, time and more? Hard to tell!
@ASilentObserver
I handle setbacks as a bump in the road or a dead end to a road. I take the setback and use it to go forward and make a journal of the setback and how I proceeded to go forward with that setback, so I have it written down should a similar setback happened and how I managed it
This will probably sound funny, but I talk to my dog. He is the keeper of my secrets and feelings. It’s away from me to express how I’m feeling when faced with relapses, adversities or when things just seem to be going the wrong way. Or write it down read it take a deep breath, burn it, and reminded myself that these moments are made for my growth and they’re needed so that I can celebrate the successes.
I turn to my faith in God. It may be cliche, but I personally believe if he brings me to it, he will get me.through it! I do this through prayer, Bible studying and journaling!!!!
@Jlmccallister4688 it is good you have a strong faith and use it as a source of comfort during difficult times. It can indeed provide a sense of peace and reassurance. What aspects of your faith help you feel supported?
Good question. I suppose it would be the community of people I do Bible study with. Reading scriptures and praying. There's an intimacy with God when you really dive into the scripture and talk to him one on one.
@ASilentObserver
When I have setbacks with my depression, I usually try to reach out to as many people as possible to try and lean on for support. This is always good because it helps me see the light and have the ability to get back up and keep trying. I know my care team is always there for me and I know that I have friends to support me.
Sometimes I do not realize that I was in a depressed state until I am almost out of it, but it really just depends. I am hoping that I am doing better and will do my best to keep moving forward in times of distress and hardship.
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@sincerePlane4053 I am glad to hear that reaching out to others for support has been helpful for you in the past when experiencing setbacks with depression. Having a strong support system can make a big difference. What are some other strategies that have helped you cope with difficult times?
@ASilentObserver well i guess some other strategies i have tried are practicing self-care and taking breaks during high levels of stress inducing events.
I try to always keep in mind that I made it through the last episode so I will the current one two. I keep my treatment team always up to date. And I try to challenge any negative self-talk that can come of it. It's easier said than done sometimes but keeping written reminders on sticky notes helps.
@ThoughtLight It is a great approach Light, I like that. Keeping a positive mindset and challenging negative thoughts can make a big difference. It's also great that you have a treatment team to support you through tough times.
@ASilentObserver I do feel fortunate to have professionals to reach out too whenever needed besides the 1-2 appointments a week, But I am unfortunately on the hunt for new ones but keeping the current ones until I've safely secured 2 new people. I found a new therapist I believe and meet Monday which is unusually soon after first contact. Finding the new med provider is a real challenge. So, have to make do with the current one for now and hope the group doesn't get shut down sooner that the probable time first. I encourage everyone to be a self-advocate while looking for a new mental health provider. Do your research and yes, the first session is always the assessment. It's also your chance to assess them in person too. Be open and forward about what you need from a provider. Your mental health isn't work risking by not looking into a provider first and not speaking up about what you need. You are the real expert on yourself. And a lot of providers actually like it when a potential, or new patient does it because it helps them learn and they don't want to waste their time just as much as you don't yours. I think I've probably surprised quite a few providers over the years by doing this.
I Would Usually Try To Be With Family Or Someone Willing To Lend An Ear, Being Around Others/Venting When I Feel Like Hot Garbage Is A Nice Pick Me Up
@JessicaBreese That is nice Jessica.I am glad spending time with loved ones helps improve your mood. What activities do you enjoy doing with them?
We Usually Try To Discuss Favorite Topics Like Hobbies Or Just Try To Make One Another Laugh With Made Up Cartoony Scenario's, And Other Time's We'll Let Each Other Vent If Needed Giving Support Where Needed Most