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Annabelle4Senior Contributor
How can I take better care of myself? I have a really bad habit of self harming when I need to be taking good care of myself instead. All ideas welcome.
I have “mental health issues” which include PTSD. Nights are the worst time for me. Can anyone else relate?
In response to: Self Care
frogSenior Contributor
Hi @Annabelle4 Welcome to the forum. I don't have self harm experience but I still struggle with self care. If you use the search box at the top of the page a whole lot of threads on the topic come up. In working on self care, I have found starting small has helped, e.g. putting health activities first in my day (e.g. meditation, yoga and walking my dogs) before I get started on chores and looking after things for my kids. Once I start on those, there's no end to it and I miss out. Take care.
In response to: Self Care
Annabelle4Senior Contributor
Sorry @frog. I’ve never done this before. I joined the forum because I have complex mental health issues and I don’t do well with people face to face.
Three things about me: I am passionate about animals, I’m middling aged, and I’m a terrific worrier. How’s that for starters?
In response to: Re: Self Care
frogSenior Contributor
No need to apologize @Annabelle4 I actually thought about joining the forum for 2 years before I did anything about it! It was really confusing at first, but also really worthwhile. It really feels like a community to me now. If someone tags you (with @) in another thread you can reply there to join in. We have a bit in common because I am middle aged, a chronic worrier, and love animals 
I also have Bipolar 1 and lots of anxiety issues just to make life interesting 
In response to: Re: Self Care
outlanderSenior Contributor
hi @Annabelle4 im wondering if your still around? i suffer from sh urges too and would be more than happy to give you a hand with helping to cope with them
In response to: Re: Self Care
Annabelle4Senior Contributor
Hi @outlander.Yes, I’m still around. I’m just a bit quieter than I was. I’d love some workable ideas for when I get the urge to sh. It seems like the urges are just as strong as ever.
Thank you for offering to help with ideas.
In response to: Self Care
outlanderSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Self Care
Annabelle4Senior Contributor
I’ve tried ice, punching a punch-bag, pinching, sitting with the feeling, and writing it out. I’m starting to think that nothing but the pain will work.
Apologees for the long time between responses, @outlander - I get intermittent internet signals here.
In response to: Re: Self Care
outlanderSenior Contributor
hi @Annabelle4
this thread here might be able to help you abit more with strategies. ill be back with a better response after abit of sleep..
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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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