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 had a setback yesterday. It seems every time I feel ok, something (or someone) says something and the little contentment that I had, was instantly crushed. I can't cry, so I wrote my true feelings in a book. I don't keep a journal because I can't remember to write in it every day. It is a way for me to unload what is bothering me the most at the time because I have no support.
@NotAllHere713 I am sorry to hear that you had a setback, Notall. I understand you were feeling some contentment and then something happened to take that away. Instead of turning to people for support, you turned to writing in a book. Would you like to share more about your experiences with seeking support?
@ASilentObserver What would you like to know?
@ASilentObserver
I isolate, make sure I am in control of myself, and proceed when I can handle whatever needs to be done. I read articles about mental health, listen to audio books, and watch movies about the worst things that can happen to scare me into doing what I have to do. And I try to pay games that require me to use my brain and process information. I plan. I stay away from food so I don't binge eat or go out. I use support platforms like this. I teach or to at least one real person.
@ASilentObserver
When I have setbacks, I do the best I can to practice self care - meditation, breathing exercises, reaching out to trusted supports - doing something that, if even not perfect, just trying to develop a routine, if even poorly. And if that feels like it hasn't helped - I will rest, indulging in videos - documentaries, nature, cat videos, play guitar/music
@CaringSub thank you for sharing caring and seems like you are committed to taking care of yourself during difficult times by engaging in activities that bring you comfort and relaxation. I am glad you have a variety of strategies that work for you, and it's okay to sometimes indulge in things that bring pleasure. How do these practices help you cope when you're experiencing setbacks?
@ASilentObserver
They help me focus on being. present - good, bad, or ugly - (after many years of ups, downs, setback experiences), appreciate when things are going well, and self care when things are not.
Thanks for sharing this prompt! Dealing with setbacks and relapses in my journey with depression has been tough, but knowing there's support here helps a lot. Looking forward to hearing how others handle these challenges
I have to remind myself it's nothing I did wrong, and I got through the last one. I do need a support network of people to remind me of that though. A lot of things are easier said than done and having that network is a life saver.
@ASilentObserver Alot of times I will lay with how I'm feeling and won't try to force myself to be around people if I don't want to do so or do things that I normally would do. It's hard sometimes though because I'll feel as if my mind is deflating. which sounds weird to say. or I'll want to do more than just be laying in bed but sometimes laying down is the only thing my body wants me to do.
Recently though I've been using candlelight as my regular light source instead of using electricity because I've heard that candle light has a calming effect. Does it help all the time? no. BUT it has worked after awhile
@amusingWest5360 That makes sense, sometimes we need to take some time to ourselves to recharge. What else helps you relax when you're feeling overwhelmed?
@ASilentObserver Walking around stores while listening to my own music. Even though shopping isn't the most ideal activity when stressed, sometimes all you need is a new clothing item, a plant, snack food, heck a coloring book even which I've bought before lol. treating myself is one form of self care to me.
@ASilentObserver i know right, im just ***.
@ASilentObserver I like to write poems to express my feelings and that sometimes help me figure out what to do. Or sometimes I talk to someone to help me through stuff.
@RUMBUM That's nice, rumbum. Writing can be such a powerful tool for processing emotions and expressing ourselves. Setbacks can feel discouraging but it doesn't mean we failed. What thoughts come up for you when you experience a setback?