Addiction

Hi @BlueBay,

Thanks for sharing your concerns about your addiction to your phone.

I wanted to ask if you have tried utilising some relaxation techniques? like meditation or mindfulness? or even any distraction techniques like reading a book, going for a walk?

I think people forget sometimes that anxiety is real, and just 'putting your phone away' like you say is not realistic at all.

What other techniques do people try when they are anxious about things?

Outlanderali

Hi @BlueBay

it sounds like you are trying really hard at the moment to help yourself

Have you considered adding to the strategies you have?

CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) and medication could give you the additional support to make things feel like they are not 'too hard' all of the time.

Who's around to support you at this tricky time, (those that fill your basket rather than deplete it)?

Spending time with those that offer us support and understanding is also part of the equation.

Feel free to continue the conversation, as I'm only really guessing at your situation.

Karma

Hi @-karma-

Thank you for your reply. I do try, I really do even though I am sure some people don't believe me. I dont like to have depressoin or BPD or memories of child abuse. I hate it all. I am sick of crying all the time; feeling so damn emotoinal all the time, lack of energy, motivation and sometimes I just want to sit on my own and be on my own - but that never happens.

I am currently seeing a therapist who is a DBT therapist for BPD sufferers. I see her weekly and have group therapy weekly. But we haven't started again this year as there aren't any people interested at the moment except myself. I did start this group therapy last year and there are lots of distraction skills I can use. But I still struggle.

I am married and have 3 adult children at home, plus a mother in law who has dementia and lives with us for 20 years. My husband is not that supportive, he knows of my abuse and BPD but doesn't ask questions when i come home from therapy; my adult children (24,23,20) are not that supportive either; when i cry i try to hide it from all of them not wanting to show them my pain.

I do have a very few close friends who I can talk to but I don't as I don't want to hassle them all the time. Apart from them I have a GP who will listen to me and support me and a therapist and a psychiatrist.

I just wish people would understnad what depression is like; what it actually feels like; and the same for BPD what that feels like; how it affects your life, your actions, behaviour - just everything.

Sorry I thnk I have gone off track a bit, i am sorry

Dont be sorry @BlueBay, you're welcome here.

you might like to follow this recent conversation about stigma & BPD, I'm sure you'd have something to add

http://www.saneforums.org/t5/Our-experience-stories/experiences-of-stigma-for-BPD/m-p/56471#M10198

Also, have a chat with @sunnydays and @Crazy_Bug_Lady who have similar stories to share.

Also use the serach bar above the forums to follow previous conversation about BPD, you are not alone

Wish right now I could throw my phone away forever.

It's so frustrating, I am angry at myself for not being able to even handle a phone properly and not keep checking the damn thing.

Hi @GothMum

Even though I am addicted to my phone etc. I can't go to the letterbox. I have this huge fear and anxiety problem with opening the letterbox and receiving bills. I don't want to see them. This may sound really stupid but I haven't opened the letterbox for quite a few years, my husband does.

I used to open the letterbox but then receive lots of bills and it would send me into a huge panic state.

How do I manage other aspects of my life? - with great difficulty. I work 4 days but still have this 'need' to check my phone, emails, texts quite often, even at work. At home I do the same, in between doing the hosuework.

I do know I have a problem - I just don't know who to go to. I have told my therapist and his response was to just limit my time on the computer at night and with my phone. (If only it was that easy). Sometimes I wonder these therapists if they really do understand how hard it is and what an addiction/obsession really is.

If a behaviour is upsetting you then it is a problem, and maybe make more of it in next therapy session. I have a fairly obssessive personality and I think that is the crux of it.

I am not addicted to phones .. my problem is I am allergic to them ... I was allergic to all things digital for a while but overcame that eventually ...

and then I would say I became addicted to this site .. so I struggle to manage that ... but am doing better at it now ... I just had to be ready ..

Take care @BlueBay dont be too hard on yourself.

It sounds like you have a busy house, its a pity there isnt that much support for you in it ... I struggle to get support too.