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Spencer71Casual Contributor
I’m curious how others get through those days when everything feels heavy or overwhelming. What small things, routines, grounding techniques, or supports help you stay steady?
Would love to hear what works for different people.
In response to: How do you support yourself on the hard days?
AlwaysMyselfSenior Contributor
Hi @Spencer71 , naturally it is different for everyone (and I look forward to hearing what others do also). I struggle with this a lot myself, as I don't really "enjoy" things - but there are things I can do to pass time that keep my brain focused.
For me, I sometimes do paint by number art, read a book, watch a tv show (if there is something interesting I can find - I'm not a big TV person), go to a cafe and people-watch, chat here on the forum, or call a friend if they're not busy & see if they want to meet up for a coffee.
I know others who like to go for a walk (or other exercise), do some cooking/baking, have a bath, do colouring, or do some meditation or mindful relaxation.
If I get into a really bad funk, then calling a person to help distract me is sometimes required if I can't get very bad thoughts out of my mind.
Sometimes having a list of things to do prepared in advance can be good as a reference for when you don't feel good. I find it easier if I have things already "prepared" to go (like a kit?) so that I don't have to put effort into setting up & packing up when I don't feel great -- reduces one extra barrier for me!
In response to: How do you support yourself on the hard days?
Lapis_AnteaterPeer Guide
Hey @Spencer71
I try to lower my expectations when things are hard. There’s no point trying to do too much because I know I will just end up feeling frustrated that I can’t do all the things I usually can. That being said it’s still important to get out of bed and do something because bed rotting is not advisable.
I tend to go for a walk and listen to music. It also helps me to talk to someone whether it be my mum or friend. Meeting up with someone is also a good distraction. If things are really bad, I try and get an earlier appointment with my psychiatrist. I also try and still do the things I like (e.g. taking a hot shower, playing a video game).
In response to: How do you support yourself on the hard days?
MJG017Senior Contributor
Hi @Spencer71
I have learnt recently to just be kind to myself. Things can get hard, and that means there are times when it may all feel very heavy. In times like that, I try to be kind to myself, and know that i'm doing the best I can and that it's okay to have times when it just feels difficult.
During these times, I just try to motivate myself to do something I enjoy. Sometimes I don't feel like it, and I remind myself that it's okay, and that it's not fair to pressure myself to feel differently. I said to a counselor of mine recently that it times like this "I HAD to pull myself out of these holes". She said you don't HAVE to do anything... CHOOSE to go and do something you enjoy or CHOOSE not to... it's a choice, not something you have to or need to do. It reframes it as something I can control. She gave me a quote by Brené Brown... "When we lose our tolerance for vulnerability, joy becomes foreboding." So basically sometimes we have to choose to experience joy, even though at the time it feels pointless.
In response to: How do you support yourself on the hard days?
Cheekychick158Casual Contributor
@Spencer71 hi try and break it down into small pieces How do I get though the next half hour or even 5 minutes or if that to much 1 minute .
I all so use the DBT tipp skill .
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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