this post was submitted on 26 Jun 2023
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Mental Health

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DISCLAIMER: this isn't a substitute for therapy and/or medication. Sometimes therapy isn't accessible. Sometimes we have a bad week and need to recenter ourselves.

I think we can learn from each other and find methods we didn't even know about! What's helpful to another may be ineffective to another, and I think learning about an array of methods would be valuable.

What's been helpful for me:

  • Spending time in nature
  • Journaling (I would google journal prompts pertaining to my predicaments)
  • Guided meditations on Youtube
  • Free worksheets: https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheets (my therapist who specialized in CBT used some of these during our sessions, I'm glad they're free)
all 19 comments
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[–] sycamore 12 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)
  • Go to bed before 11pm.
  • Get up before 8.
  • Eat breakfast.
  • Go outside every day.
  • Exercise
[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)
  • Journaling just random thoughts and feelings
  • Meditating
  • Nature hikes
  • Making my bed each morning
  • Going for a drive with the radio on
  • Doing small DIY crafts
[–] ted_pikul 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Meditation is the biggest one for me. For so long I thought it just wasn't for me and then I got an app with guided meditation tracks and I have never been more calm, focused, and generally happy with the way things are since I started. I feel really lucky I gave it a chance and highly recommend it for anyone to try.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Same. I kind of have issues with my mind wondering when meditating (though also just in general lol). But I then tried guided meditation and it just clicked. Maybe it was having someone kind of guiding and reminding me to stay focused, but it's been amazing. And I agree, I think everyone should at least give it a try at some point.

[–] Ashhwaghandaa 5 points 1 year ago
  • Singing
  • Crying it out
  • Journaling
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Spending time in the sun
  • choosing to avoid arguments
[–] Gradually_Adjusting 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

This might be more darkly humorous than you are looking for, but at the onset of WWII I've read that many civilians suddenly had a full or partial remission of symptoms for the duration of the war.

Being part of a society in crisis that's all pulling in the same direction can take your mind off your own problems, at least for a while. Call it the Ozymandias effect?

It's not enough to hope a war breaks out, but maybe there's something at the heart of it we can grasp. Maybe what some of us really lack is purpose, or a sense of belonging. These aren't easy to solve for, but I'm sure it's worth a look inward.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That's beautiful and horrifying at the same time

[–] Gradually_Adjusting 1 points 1 year ago

Humanity in a nutshell innit

[–] aqua 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Bicycling by far!

You can get a cheap used bike if you don’t want to nerd out about parts etc.

The way my mind is cleared when I’m going for a ride is something that I have not achieved by any other means. Also the mood boost lasts quite a while for me.

Just make sure the bike fits your body and also get a helmet.

[–] Okokimup 4 points 1 year ago

Baking has been really good for me. Also I love hot water, but dont have a usable bathtub, so I got myself a shower chair. It's so relaxing.

Every evening I go for a walk. The fresh air nd bird sightings are as good for me as the exercise.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Adding to the excellent suggestions of others:

  • Organising to see friends regularly, even when I don't feel like it
  • Having a "thing" to look forward to (often based around hobbies or upcoming events)
[–] kofe 3 points 1 year ago

I want to point out there's free options in the us for lots of support groups, and so many are accesible online now! I joined SMART recovery about a month ago now, found one in person facilitated by a licensed counselor. She offered to see me individually for free and it's incredible what a few sessions can do!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Lemme toss in here the symptom management checklist in DBT:

  • Take your meds on time, as per directed.
  • Sleep eight hours a day (or the amount that works for you.)
  • Eat square meals on a consistent schedule. Most of us work with three, with light snacking. Stay fluidated.
  • Get some exercise, a bit of moving about should do (say a walk around the block).
  • Engage in some social contact, ideally with a friend or loved one with whom you're not dealing with immediate drama.

Doing these things consistently should reduce the likelihood of your symptoms getting unmanageable (mileage will vary).

[–] emoknapsack 2 points 1 year ago

I like the free Yoga with Adrienne videos on YouTube. But there are tons of others out there also. Yoga breathing helps me feel grounded when I’m anxious and stressed.

[–] Fern 2 points 1 year ago

You've got a good list.

For me I'd add.

  • Going Vegan
  • Working out (especially cardio)
  • Having a creative outlet
[–] CantSt0pPoppin 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I can only speak for my self but gardening has really helped me find my center

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

@CantSt0pPoppin @phonecase Me too. Knitting gives me a sense of focus and presence too.

[–] meldroc 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)
  • Taking walks in nature
  • Meditating
  • Dragging myself away from the doomscroll box.
  • Going out and seeing friends
  • Seeing a therapist (OK, that one's not so low-cost...)