What are your healthy coping strategies?
In the past, I've simply felt down and hopeless. Now, however, I'm numb to everything and it's driving me. Nothing really brings me pleasure anymore and my laughter and smile sounds and looks horribly empty no matter what I do. Is there anything you do that helps ease this feeling?
Before I started meditating on a semi-regular basis, my number one coping strategy was stimming (ex: ringing my hands, pinching my skin, pulling at my clothes, scratching myself until I scar, etc). I realized that stimming, while it helped in the moment, was not helping my mental health in the long run. I started to download meditation apps and do research on the benefits of practicing mindfulness. Since then, breathing exercises, meditation, and sometimes yoga are what pull me back into reality. Of course, everyones path and needs are different, and what has worked for me may not work for someone else. ❤️
@nmarie35 wow I do the same thing (scratching till I scar, wringing my hands, tugging on my fringe, digging my nails into my skin) and didnt know there was a term for it. I just thought it was something I do to distract myself from my sadness?
@row036 yes there is! I just only recently learned that there was a term for it as well. Usually stimming is used to describe movements that are self-stimulating for one or more senses, and its usually used when talking about people with autism. However, 10% of the population that does not have autism can also stim as well.
One thing effective for me ( some of the time ) is the dreaded exercise in the morning. I play all sorts of mind tricks on myself to get myself out the door. Like ok Im just going to shuffle along for a mile this time. Usually, about a half mile in, I end up jogging out of boredom. Then, once I start to get drenched in sweat the nausea paradoxically subsides. When I get back home, I usually feel slightly better, and I make it to work ( 3 hours late as usual ). I figure its worth it to the company to be an extra hour late, if it means Ill actually get something done that day.
Wincing is a coping strategy. :p
Recently Ive been trying to figure out why wincing stems the pain somewhat? It definitely feels instinctual. I read somewhere recently that botox is being tested as an alternative therapy??? Supposedly cuz you cant wince with Botox???
