Listening to triggering music

@Jynx I think visualisations can help, it works for my brain. Simply just describing how I feel tends to be inadequate, hence that’s where the poetry comes in.

I’ve heard exercise can be helpful. Even Pilates may be helpful. Pilates is different to yoga, but both ultimately release muscle tension

ooh yeah I always know when my emotions are running high @creative_writer - whether it's cos I'm chock full of despair or falling in love - because I can't stop writing poetry!!

Exercise is soooo helpful!! Especially if it also incorporates an element of play I reckon - doesn't have to, but I imagine exercise plus the high chance of giggling would probably release a lotta tension!!

@Jynx I forgot to reply. Strong emotions do inspire you to write poem. Hence why many of my poems have been written when I was miserable or experiencing mania.

I would imagine exercise would be helpful in circumstances when you are unable to find words to express yourself.

I went to the doctor and got more antibiotics. I likely have the same bacteria strand as my mum due to close proximity

@creative_writer do you find a marked difference in the vibe of the poetry you write from a place of misery vs what you write whilst manic? Just curious! I know poetry is a very personal thing so no pressure to share if you don't wanna 😉

I hope your new antibiotics finally smacks this sickness right outa of ya!

@Jynx there is a huge difference. I do find it easier to productive work when manic than depressed. I’ve had nights where I have started writing multiple poems simultaneously.

I hope so too. Some bacterial infections knock people out more than others. There was quite a bit circulating where we went for holidays.

I’ve been feeling low, but can’t seem to describe the mess in my mind. I’m lost

@creative_writer it's interesting hey!! I know my poems become a lot more like limericks when I'm feeling upbeat, and then when I'm low I tend to focus more on the structure and imagery than the rhythm and rhymes.

Do you think being able to describe the mess would help the mess?

@Jynx I mean more towards free verse poetry regardless of how I feel.

I don’t know, I crave non romantic touch from a safe person. Then again I’m probably touch deprived from being so sick lately. Though I can’t say I’ve found a safe person either, but hugs from family still helps to some extent

@creative_writer oh I bet!! Touch-starvation is sooooo gnarly, I have legit thought about whether some kind of... hugs service or something, would be viable!!

Such a tricky topic though, and a minefield with the ethical side of things 😪

@Jynx maybe it’ll work for those who are happy to hug strangers. I prefer hugging people I know. I also don’t hug or even shake hands with men (except Mahram who are non-marriageable male relatives), it’s just a normal part of my upbringing.

I think many of us are naturally stiff when we first get married as we are not used to romantic or sexual touch. You can also probably understand why from a cultural point of view experiencing SA feels iffy.

Though I do find it interesting that if I imagine myself being held it’s by a male safe figure. I don’t know if I’m craving a partner or an older brother, or both. I’m the oldest child in my family

@creative_writer yeah, I have no idea how the logistics would even work tbh. Build therapeutic relationship first? Just offer a comfy zone and let folks partake as they want? Probably a reason it hasn't yet been done!

Aye very true I hadn't even thought about that aspect. I can imagine it could be very difficult to navigate that kind of intimacy for the first time on the wedding night! Such an intimate thing, touch, and yet I can't help but also think that the ways we have socialised touch and sexualised certain kinds of touch have been overall detrimental to us as a species.

I do get that! Perhaps you're craving some masculine energy, something protective and shielding moreso than nurturing. You have any guy friends from uni or anywhere who you feel safe with?