Coping mechanisms

Former Member

Hey everyone.

I'm just wondering what are some healthy coping strategies you use when you're feeling really low or have intrusive thoughts, etc. I thought this could be a good thread to look at when you're feeling this way to get some ideas and to share some of your own. Here's some of mine:

Watch a comfort show/film
Colouring
Paint my nails
Read
Go for a walk

Sending you love and support!

lovemimoon

Great idea!

Mine are:
- Painting/Colouring
- Write down my intrusive thoughts in my journal
- Watch comedy shows
- Go for a walk
- Sit in a park - preferably one with a river/lake.

Former Member

lovemimoon wrote: »

Great idea!

Mine are:
- Painting/Colouring
- Write down my intrusive thoughts in my journal
- Watch comedy shows
- Go for a walk
- Sit in a park - preferably one with a river/lake.

Going someplace with a river or lake is so relaxing! Hearing the water flow, there's something that helps me feel at peace, it's also really good for grounding.

Past User

The user and all related content has been deleted.

Former Member

zaynab_5 wrote: »

So basically I have done an activity with my care coordinator called stress vulnerability bucket.


It is a bucket where when it gets over the normal amount (half way) you are over stressed. There are taps outside the bucket and they are what you should do to reduce your stress. Mine are:
-Watching Netflix/YouTube
-Read a book
-Talk to my friends about how I'm feeling
-Meditation

I love the visual representation. I also try to incorporate some meditation into my daily activities, it definitely helps to relax me but is quite difficult to do in the moments when I'm feeling low.

Past User

The user and all related content has been deleted.

lovemimoon

zaynab_5 wrote: »

So basically I have done an activity with my care coordinator called stress vulnerability bucket.

I agree with @Past User
What other activities have you done with your care coordinator?


Have you tried meditating in the morning? I do meditative breathing exercises when I wake up - light breathing techniques if I'm feeling okay, heavy if I'm feeling particularly low or stressed out.

Former Member

lovemimoon wrote: »

zaynab_5 wrote: »

So basically I have done an activity with my care coordinator called stress vulnerability bucket.

I agree with @Past User
What other activities have you done with your care coordinator?


Have you tried meditating in the morning? I do meditative breathing exercises when I wake up - light breathing techniques if I'm feeling okay, heavy if I'm feeling particularly low or stressed out.

I use the Headspace app to guide my meditation, typically at night when I find it quite challenging to fall asleep. This meditation talk is making me want to go do some right now. If you have the time to meditate, go do it!

lovemimoon

I'm in love with these images, man! Where did you find them?

Former Member

lovemimoon wrote: »

I'm in love with these images, man! Where did you find them?

I find them on Pinterest

Past User

The user and all related content has been deleted.

lovemimoon

I'll give that a try! Thank you!

Former Member

When I get intrusive, irrational thoughts, I try to take a minute and just take a deep breath and think about the stuff that I’m saying. The initial breath is incredibly important because you want to try and ease the unwanted tension in your chest as you exhale. You’d be surprised how much breath work can help ease intrusive thoughts! I believe it’s because you have something to distract yourself - my therapist actually recommended blowing bubbles or a balloon because you efficiently distract yourself, but you also focus on your breathing! My GP also recommended the app ‘Insight Timer’ - it’s completely free and has many podcasts that you can listen to for many different emotions. I also completely agree with @Past User - large bodies of water, and taking walks along the beach/ river is so, so calming, even listening to some white noise should do the trick! I also love meditation as @zaynab_5 mentioned, my favourite one is ‘Positive Energy 10 minute Guided Meditation’ this is really short, and helped me get through one of my toughest moments.