Not Coping

I guess sometimes I might when other times it makes me feel like crap, and then I start ruminating even more @Jynx

@Birdofparadise8 when you're ruminating, do you notice you're ruminating? Are you kind to yourself in those moments?

Definitely not I make it way worse @Jynx

Could be something to reflect on/discuss more in-depth with a therapist @Birdofparadise8 . Also, have you read our little blog post about practicing Self-Compassion? Being kind and forgiving to yourself is a good antidote to rumination, and just like any skill all it takes is some practice 😉

Mmm okay I think I’ve gone over self compassion with my psychologist a couple times I’m just really bad at it. I find it feels really fake and I don’t really know how to make it feel more real @Jynx.

@Birdofparadise8 Oh I totally get you! I had a very similar internal reaction when I first started practicing. Because I didn't really believe a word I was saying, and because it conflicted with my internal sense of self, it felt suuuuper uncomfortable. That's why you gotta practice. Our brains are funny things; if we hear things enough, we will start to believe them. That goes for both good stuff and bad stuff - which is why bullying is so, so impactful. But yeah, the more you do it, even if it feels fake/uncomfortable, the easier it will get and eventually, it'll just feel like truth. Kind of the old saying, 'fake it till you make it', but with mental health! 😂

Yeah I guess so. I’ll just have to give in my time and practice and hope it sticks. I jus hope it doesn’t take like ten years as that’s how long I was bullied for @Jynx.

I think it takes a long time @creative_writer at least your saying it to yourself.

How did you come up with the idea for an imaginary friend was it just for the self compassion or other things as well.

@creative_writer yes I'm curious about your imaginary friend too, that's so cool! I have imaginary characters in a world I built in my mind, so I sorta do a similar thing.

@Birdofparadise8 well everyone is different, but if you work at it as much as you can it hopefully won't take 10 years. For me, once I started actually getting help, it took maybe 2-3 years to start feeling better, and another couple years to truly learn to love myself. And my journey is not over! I think there's always room for self-improvement.