If you feel... A list that has helped me

Thanks for sharing @MermaidHair ! That's so helpful!

Morning @MermaidHair, thanks for sharing this 😊

Some thoughts occurred while reading this list... I'm curious whether anyone has a similar experience to me, where several of these coping mechanisms (which are all harmless at their core) become harmful in my life, because I rely on them too much, and I tend to do things to extremes.

For example, emotional eating is the core of my bulimia nervosa. And to deal with negative emotions and chronic pain, I often will make myself go to sleep, which resulted in my bedtime being around 4pm and my day starting around 1am (I've had a heck of a time reigning that in). Organising things to feel in control, even small things, has fed into obsessive behaviours and been harmful.

So, I guess... the only thing I would add is that I've had to keep an eye on my coping mechanisms, because even good/harmless suggestions can lead to harm. The one about eating in response to negative emotions definitely raises a big red flag for me. (I know it's a list of broad suggestions, I just wanted to share my thoughts.) If using food to deal with emotions, stay frosty.

The ones about doing kind things for yourself, and helping others, I love those. I don't really have any religious or spiritual beliefs, but I do believe that putting kindness into the world often brings kindness your way, in return. And it helps push back against isolation.

Such a good list @MermaidHair

Thanks for sharing it with us.