Not Coping

[Birdofparadise8]

Hey @tyme 

Can we talk for a bit?

[tyme]

Sure. @Birdofparadise8 

[Blackbird11]

Thanks @Birdofparadise8 

Sleep well 💚

[Birdofparadise8]

My mood stabiliser still hasn't increased from 0.4mmol @tyme 

My GP is talking to my Pdoc, but she finishes on Friday, so I'm not sure what will happen. 

I'm not feeling that great tonight mentally or physically. 

How has your day been?

[tyme]

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. First time you had COVID? I can be a downer... any form or physical pain or discomfort can be a downer. @Birdofparadise8 

Maybe it's your body telling you it needs a rest? It sounds like you've been super busy recently.

I've had some rough patches recently, but none have been a downer. Sort of challenges me to keep doing more and better.

[Birdofparadise8]

Yes, it is first time having COVID-19 @tyme 

Mmm, I suppose so, but I think it's more than me being sick. I'm just so bloody sad. I feel alone, and I start crying. it's been nearly two years since my depression started. I just don't see how it's going to end. I always come back to this circle of negative feelings. I improve for a bit, and then it's bad again, and so on. I know it's not linear, but I'm just so tired of feeling this way. I'm trying so hard to extend my social life and combat the negative voice in my head, but it gets so hard. I'm literally bullying myself. 

[tyme]

Rather than 'bully' yourself, is there a way you can practise self-soothing? @Birdofparadise8 

[ENKELI]

@Birdofparadise8 I do not advocate medication when there are other options.

What I meant was for my anxiety I need medication at the moment until I find other coping mechanisms

I have tried breathing techniques and I end up hyperventilating so I am looking for other solutions as I don't want to have to rely on medication.

My anxiety is based on my current situation of not working and having bills mounting. I also have very low self esteem as I have had problems with my teeth and I am too ashamed to smile or open my mouth so I am second guessing every job I apply for - no one would want someone with ugly teeth to work as their admin person.

What are ways you find help with you are feeling anxious?

[Birdofparadise8]

I try, but I just spiral. If I'm thinking bad things and starting to get overwhelmed and crying, I feel this weird feeling in my body, and I crave comfort. 

I try watching tv, hugging the squishmallow, talking to people and a few other things @tyme 

To distract myself. I don't know how else to self-soothe. 

[tyme]

It's a really good start with those strategies @Birdofparadise8 . The more you use them, the more effective they will become. 

You know MH has dips.. maybe this is just a dip, esp since you are not feeling well with COVID. Allow your body to heal.