Nothing feels real

Hey @creative_writer saw this last night, thought maybe it could be helpful for you if your emotions are feeling whacky 💜

In my experience @creative_writer it only becomes torture because I've been pushing it away, trying to resist. Sitting with it is really about trying to be mindful - letting thoughts come and go without following them or attaching meaning to them. Breathing deeply and focusing on the physical sensations in my body. Moving attention into the tension in my body and consciously releasing it. Repeating positive affirmations to myself, like - "I know this feeling is temporary, and I will hold space for it to be here as it needs to be", or "It's okay to be feeling this way, it really hurts but it need not define me" - whatever works for you. Deep breaths really do help, which, in the mental health world might sound like a broken record in terms of advice. But it is all about the nervous system, remembering it has evolved for our survival, and that to calm it, the breath is the first line of defence we have.

I found this article too, maybe have a lil read through and see if anything resonates as useful for you: Good Therapy - Sit with Discomfort

@Jynx, I have been SA in the past and sometimes I start to feeling it in my body😢

Mm that would definitely make it very hard to want to access or allow space for those feelings @creative_writer especially if you are feeling unsafe within yourself. Maybe check out some of the resources from CASA? You can also call them, they might be able to help you out - 1800 806 292.

I also found this Self-Care Package for survivors of SA - they've got some info and tips in there for managing anxiety, flashbacks, etc.

@creative_writer Ive been struggling with that this afternoon…. Feeling things in my body. It’s not nice 😩

@Bow I'm sorry to hear it. Maybe also have a look at what I linked above?

Thanks @Jynx i just had a look through that self care resource, it looks really good. I wish I could print it out!

@creative_writer hope things get some easier for you too.

I seen my psychiatrist on Wednesday and she made me talk through some of my childhood trauma, which I was not at all expecting or really wanting to do.