utterp1gwAnk2k20 • Page 799

I really want to be high today (it’s been a rough one!) but I barely felt anything last time so I need to chill for a few days

 

I think I can do it. I just need to try harder. Thank you

 

anytime, man. you can and I think you will. just take it one day at a time. baby steps are still steps forward. go at your own pace but try and always move forward. I wish you the best

 

Wheres the "I'M GONNA CHANGE MY LIFE AND THIS IS MY JOURNEY" thread?

 

this thread is that thread
it also happens to be the dick jokes and weed thread

 

https://forum.chorus.fm/threads/blink-182.18245/unread

 

I like it

This thread makes me feel better about myself but worse for humanity at the same time.

 

Onto Ozark

 

I’ve always struggled with identifying and separating what aspects of my mental health issues are caused by external factors and what is my brain working against me on its own, and actually trying to get a handle on that during this crisis has been really helpful. Like right now I know that existential dread and fear and pain are coming from an outside source constantly, but internally I have some tools to work with and I’ve been able to avoid a complete downward spiral by doing everything I possibly can to strengthen myself right now.

 

Tools like what?

 

yeah I'm just starting to do this and it helps like what can I control and what can I not, actually helpful for me to say I can't control everybody

 

It's offline

Is that a bad thing?

 

no it's a great thing

 

After hitting a low point a couple weeks ago, I've been working on improving my mental health as best as one can. Been exercising nearly every day (I took yesterday off to give my body a break) by walking on the trail that runs by my apartment while listening to comedy podcasts, been watching Parks and Rec which makes me happy (tho i just hit s5, so I worry what i'll have to binge next lol to be happy), been playing games online with friends, cut down on the unhealthy food (too must fast food for a while there), been trying to think less negatively and meditate too. It hasn't been smooth sailing, but I'd like to believe things are improving mentally.

 

glad to hear it, man

 

self talk is a big one, if your brain is convincing you you're a piece of shit be like hey man that's uncalled for knock it off

 

The specifics wouldn’t necessarily translate to other people, but a lot of it is just knowing myself and how my body and mind work best and doing everything I can to control those aspects of my life even if I can’t control the terrifying situation in the world. I’ve found that having a kind of rough schedule and routine every day helps me from feeling totally overwhelmed by time and being in the same location.

Like for example I enjoy cooking and eating good food is a huge comfort, so I’ve been actually writing down whatever meals I’d like to make soon and keeping a running list of those that I can look at whenever I want. That way I’m not stressed about what I’ll make for dinner because I always have either leftovers ready to go or something from the list that I know I have ingredients for. I’m not using my brainpower and energy to think of what to make when I might not have a lot to spare at a random moment.

I’ve also been exercising again which has been good in lots of ways. It helps clear my head, I feel stronger physically, and it’s time each day that I’m not fighting to fill because it’s a set plan.

Another very specific thing is I’ve been doing jigsaw puzzles because I find them relaxing and it gives me the satisfaction of control and completing something in a very uncertain time. Don’t know if that would work for you, but trying to keep up with any kind of leisure activity you know works for you could be helpful.

And I’ve been keeping up with the news some but absolutely intentionally cutting back on reading every article or update because it’s so incredibly frightening and stressful and wasn’t doing me any good. I need to stay informed for sure and can’t personally recommend taking a complete break from it, but the minute specifics every single day just took a toll and I can’t keep doing that.

I don’t know if any of that is helpful. I can try to think of some more suggestions that are general and not specific to my life. It’s still up and down for sure too, so I don’t want it to sound like this is the perfect suggestion and I’m totally fine.

 

one thing I've found that was conducive for me is when I have negative, intrusive thoughts to have some sort of mantra to say to try and contend with it. mine was "I don't think about that anymore" and as reductive as that is, it works

 

Thanks

I know I'll feel better once the physical effects of my overblown anxiety go away. Or I hope they're due to my anxiety, lol.

 

you ever fuck with CBD? might be a great help to your anxiety

 

I need to get some more actually

 

No I haven't.

Am gonna try meds since my anxiety gets super bad very easily, but the psychiatrist isn't available until middle of next month for our first appointment, so it's gonna be a couple months before that goes anywhere lol.

 

gotcha. yeah, what's important is finding what works for you

 

I’ve also been trying to very consciously avoid getting into any arguments online and oooh boy is it as difficult as always. Some days are harder than others with that.....