I regularly try to avoid my feelings

@KirSa_EnigmA I relate to this SO much. I'm naturally pretty avoidant of my negative emotions. It's a vicious cycle too; avoiding the emotions, feelings the shame, and then avoiding those emotions too.

Yoga can actually be really helpful to integrate emotions with the body. Any mind-body therapy can be quite good for that. I personally like to spend time outside, and that's my version of grounding myself.

So proud of you for abstaining! That's so hard to do. As someone who has minimal impulse control abilities, I find that so impressive.

Some therapy modalities, like DBT, talk about building distress tolerance, so that could potentially be a concept you could explore.

Sending all my vibes ❤️

Hey @KirSa_EnigmA

I hope what I say is conveyed in the way I intend.

I just want to start off by saying that I really relate to what you're saying about the avoidance, the guilt, the cycle, the strong urges to partake in activities that will stifle the feelings.

I want to tell you that what you're experiencing is valid and very much expected for someone who is under alot of internal distress and conflict.

I avoid my strong negative emotions with similar coping strategies. Eating, lots of TV and YT, and I also have Trichotillomania (a hair pulling disorder) and can lose hours of my day doing that.

To answer your question, and keep in mind I'm just another person finding their way so take from it what you will, yes there is therapy for tackling that cycle.

It can be a long process, and involves alot of training to help rewire how the mind thinks and responds. Think of it like lifting weights.

The best thing I've done for myself is to practice slowing down. For right now I wouldn't even worry about yoga and 'shoulds'. I'd just focus on the breath and going still, and practice when you're in a relative state of calm, cause chances are it's going to be very hard to in state of crisis.

Be kind to yourself. I know it's cliche but our self language is very powerful and makes a difference. this too will take time to get in the habit of. Think of that part of yourself like a beloved friend you only want the best for.

Again, I know it can be hard. It can feel like an uphill battle and a vicious cycle. Survival brain has no time for patience. It's immediate. which is why it can be hard for people like us to sit with our emotions. Our brains literally think we're in danger.

Be kind to yourself (I already said that) you got this. This forum has some really lovely souls with good advice. Youre not alone in this experience ♡