Is MH recovery like a game of snakes and ladders

😂At least you're on the way up then @MLE

Yes, I agree @MJG017 the coping strategies can definitely become ingrained and even though possibly damaging, there are difficult to change.

I think one reason is that you start using them automatically, before you are cognitively aware of them, once you become aware of them you can try to modify them, but sometimes it's too late, or becomes difficult to explain or change your response. Initially, you are not even aware that you are using strategies, but once it is pointed out, or you realise, then you can try to modify them.

I think with childhood trauma you learn not to trust people. This is hepful at the time, because it can prevent further trauma. Later on, even in times that are safe, you still don't trust, so you don't get close to people, you do not show vunerability and so cannot make deep connections with people.

It definitely takes time to change these behaviours and time, because you won't always have the outcome you have strived for, so you have to keep practising and that takes time.

Thanks @Shaz51

I think it's interesting to learn about other people's journeys. I think it helps you to understand people more deeply. Also, people might say something that sets you thinking about ways you can address your own problems. Even though everyone's journey is different, there are likely to be some (or many) similarities.

I think the forums are great, because most people don't have these sort of conversations in non-virtual life. Also, many MH conditions are isolating at least to some degree and here people can talk openly about their issues, which they just cannot do in their non-virtual lives.

@Jynx @tyme @Appleblossom @Oaktree @MJG017 @Dimity @MissGremlin @Spirit_Healer @MLE @Glisten @Blackcloud

so true @Till23 since I myself personally don't have anyone in real life that I can rely on for support (except for my psych but i see her monthly) so I always have to deal with them all on my own which is always rough for me

I had long slide down the snake a while ago...I have been doing good apart from that now. Don't get me wrong I have complex trauma so it's not easy having this. Having a good support system - medical and my family and friends is important. I only have one friend who knows and my husband. It's hard being so secretive. People are judgemental. It's always hard to know when it's going to be the snake or the ladder.

@Till23

I have had lots of ups and downs all my life since I was born

And it is ongoing

Hello @Jigsawpuzzler , @Blackcloud , @Jynx , @MissGremlin @

@Till23 totally agree about what you can learn from others!! I sometimes think of it like... we've all got little gardens, and sometimes someone will share something with you that ends up planting a seed in your garden... and then if you start to pay more attn to it, i.e. watering it, it eventually will grow!!

Like, one of the very first seeds ever planted in my mind was the notion, "You are not the voice in your head. You are the thing responding to it." Did wonders to help me to detangle myself from all the crappy beliefs about myself I'd developed over the years. Very thankful that someone with lived experience was willing to share that with me!

@Shaz51 @Blackcloud @Jigsawpuzzler rollercoasters all round eh? It is a bit like that!! So glad we all have each other 😊

@Jynx - I do like your garden analogy.

I agree, although my psychologist said thoughts are not who you are, they are just thoughts, they may not even be true. However, having someone with lived experience saying it, gives it more weight I think.

Hi there, I also don’t tell many people as I completely agree, they can be so judgemental and without walking in our shoes they have no idea what we go through! My anxieties (etc.!) don’t define the whole of who I am, they are one part of me and people fail to understand/empathise with that

yes I agree @Till23 knowing someone has lived something and isn't just repeating random things back at you definitely gives it weight. In my experience it also offers a better chance for connection - nothing quite like the feeling of relief when you realise you're not alone in your experiences 😌

Yes 100% @WorrierWoman!! It's so awful to just be seen as a pile of diagnoses in a trench coat. I am really glad to hear you also don't let your mental health define you! That's solid empowerment right there 😁💜