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Self care and coping mechanisms
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What are some concrete techniques that you use when your mental health is dipping? Share what you think might help others who are also struggling, things to try.
I'm personally finding it helpful to divide my techniques between distraction, wallowing, and proactive self care.
Of course there's no panacea, but we can share resources. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Physical exercise. Doesnt have to be outside, and doesn't have to be formal, so online videos, also gardening, painting that kind of thing, something to occupy the body x |
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I’ve found physical exercise not to help at all. I get a real emotional drop at the end of my run 
Just shows that nothing is guaranteed to work and you need to keep looking for something that works for you  |
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Definitely. Exercise is really good for mental health. Getting a routine is lifting my endorphins, making me feel stronger, making me feel more level.
(And if anyone can't or it isn't working, then you do you)
I think I might grab my MP3 player and dance in the parking lot of my apartment complex later  |
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"I’ve found physical exercise not to help at all. I get a real emotional drop at the end of my run
Just shows that nothing is guaranteed to work and you need to keep looking for something that works for you "
Sorry, didn't see the post.
Self care is definitely an individual thing xx |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Physical DIY kind of work around the house. Unfortunately can't do it now as can't get to the dump to dispose of things nor browse in the building materials supply shops. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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1. Mutual disclosure - connecting with and sharing how you are feeling with friends and family, Reconnecting with friends.
2. Writing a journal or blog
3. Exercising, walking, running, cycling, workouts using online or TV encouragement.
4. Cleaning, gardening, household and car maintenance,
5. Personal grooming
6. Creative work pursuits, new online profiles, web site updates, virtual services, future planning
7. Cooking and baking
8. Virtual socials and parties
9. Mucking about on Fab |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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A good night's sleep helps me look at the world differently.
Cooking and eating obvs 
Bike rides in the sunshine.
A good film
Bubble baths
Pampering
Looking at old photos
Housework / DIY to music
YouTube
Reading
Meditation
Masturbation
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Have a day or two without watching the news about corona on TV
Keeping the mind busy doing normal things really helps.
Go through your mobile phone contact list from A to Z and phone everyone on it maybe 1 or 2 a day even if you've not spoke for years and can't remember who some are
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"1. Mutual disclosure - connecting with and sharing how you are feeling with friends and family, Reconnecting with friends.
2. Writing a journal or blog
3. Exercising, walking, running, cycling, workouts using online or TV encouragement.
4. Cleaning, gardening, household and car maintenance,
5. Personal grooming
6. Creative work pursuits, new online profiles, web site updates, virtual services, future planning
7. Cooking and baking
8. Virtual socials and parties
9. Mucking about on Fab"
Good summary - when you live alone this applies most of the time! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Masturbate
I haven’t done that once since lockdown 
Yeah I’ve lost interest, too.
I’ve been learning - music, languages. "
I’m going to do some music recording and production just haven’t got round to it yet. I might start brushing up my French as well. |
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Distraction for me completely change what I'm doing before that downward spiral takes hold.
My dog is great for this, he senses too when he's needed.
Also knowing your triggers can help.
So keeping a mood diary can be a good idea, think you can get apps, I can do it on my fit bit app if I need to.
Oh, and massively lowering your expectations, especially of yourself, we are too hard on ourselves and often expect too much.
Sorry, bit lengthy x
Take care and stay safe all
Jo x |
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"Distraction for me completely change what I'm doing before that downward spiral takes hold.
My dog is great for this, he senses too when he's needed.
Also knowing your triggers can help.
So keeping a mood diary can be a good idea, think you can get apps, I can do it on my fit bit app if I need to.
Oh, and massively lowering your expectations, especially of yourself, we are too hard on ourselves and often expect too much.
Sorry, bit lengthy x
Take care and stay safe all
Jo x"
Yes. I began my climb out of my deep dark pit when I stopped demanding that I do better. Feed myself, bathe, climb out of pit. Once out of pit, do more. |
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"Distraction for me completely change what I'm doing before that downward spiral takes hold.
My dog is great for this, he senses too when he's needed.
Also knowing your triggers can help.
So keeping a mood diary can be a good idea, think you can get apps, I can do it on my fit bit app if I need to.
Oh, and massively lowering your expectations, especially of yourself, we are too hard on ourselves and often expect too much.
Sorry, bit lengthy x
Take care and stay safe all
Jo x
Yes. I began my climb out of my deep dark pit when I stopped demanding that I do better. Feed myself, bathe, climb out of pit. Once out of pit, do more."
Having done this more than once but less than 7 times, it gets easier.
I don't know if that's consolation to anyone.
Now, I'm lucky I use my experiences to help others through, with a charity I work for and in some work with the NHS.
I'm a better person because of it, even though it was pure hell at the time
Jo x |
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"It is hell. It's not my first rodeo either, but the first I've done without professional help."
It's tough, really tough, but you sound like you are in control of it. Can offer an ear if you need one. Take care x |
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"It is hell. It's not my first rodeo either, but the first I've done without professional help.
It's tough, really tough, but you sound like you are in control of it. Can offer an ear if you need one. Take care x"
Thank you. Yes, I've got this now, I think x
And likewise. |
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We are trying to replace normal working times with doing jobs around the house, relaxation time doing normal stuff and also trying to learn something new, Mr is learning guitar and Mrs is researching and doing online courses to do with her work.
The other thing is that we are making sure that we have a period of me time to be alone, if we want it to pamper ourselves doing whatever we want to do.
Routine can be your friend with this. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Keep busy, music, dance and meditation...don't let the brain slumber..if it is focused on a task it struggles to focus on demons..beware of too much time in silence  |
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