Things I have learnt to do when I’m heading towards a crisis.

Great question @CheerBear

I too forget what to do much of the time. Some of the things I know well such as 'go outside and move my body'. I will always think of that and years of experience has taught me to try and drag myself outside even if I am behaving like a spoilt brat or feeling lazy.

Because I love to write, I have written lists many times though I would have trouble finding them because I am a messy person. But the act of writing them down helps solidify the information in my brain.

The 'thinking only of today' and the 'handing it over' I learnt in AA and we are constantly reminded evertime we go to a meeting, so I spent about 3 years practicing those ones and they are now second nature to me.

As for touching, I think I am always in need of touch and I probably don't need reminding of that, but I did have to learn not to always expect it from people. Dogs and cats have taught me a lot about how a little touch goes a long way.

As for admitting I am not coping, this one is definately a work in progress. I upset my dear girlfriend a few weeks ago when I tried to hide my condition and ended up winding myself into a bit of an episode. It's dangerous for me to keep it all inside.

So initially it took peer support (AA) to constantly remind me because my brain was very sick but now I remind myself and get involved with helping other people which reminds me too. Plus there is this awesome forum where we exchange ideas! 🙂

Some great, proactive strategies @Mulgajane!!

Hi @Mulgajane, thanks for your suggestions:

1. I attempt to get out of the house every day, to walk and stretch my legs and to chat to people, either at the shops or at the bus stop. Talking with other people helps me ignore the chatter in my head and I can focus on someone else for a while.

2. So difficult to remain in the present, but so important.

3. Letting go of responsibility. I cannot change the world nor what is going to happen

4. I really miss touching someone special. But I do snuggle with my dog and I love being out in nature where I can touch and breathe and just ground myself.

5. Admitting to others that I am not coping.

@Mulgajane

Great thread @Mulgajane I love your ideas. Hi @CheerBear @NatalieS

It has taken me a long time to take notice of signs that I am heading towards a crisis.

I get stuck and exhausted trying harder and harder to keep going on my usual track. Instead I need to:

Take a step back

Rest

Plan

I read that an antidote to fight/flight is pause/plan.

Yes @frog

pausing helps me especially - that's another thing i have learnt through the natural world.

I am always being told to do it by therapists and books but I seem to learn better by observation rather than just being advised.

Hi @Blue012 @Mulgajane @frog @CheerBear

Extremely difficult pretending to be ok and "normal" and the same as everyone else, but no matter what, I just don't fit in anywhere.