Method Acting?

[AlLeYkAt86-]

I'm finding pretending to be "okay" all the time is exhausting. Since I don't want to hear family and friends telling me to "cheer up" or "snap out of it" anymore I just walk around with this heavy false face so I don't inconvenience anyone else's super important day of updating pictures of their food on facebook or snap chatting their hideous mutant children talking chipmunk voices. Wouldn't want my empty miserable existence to hinder that now would we? I'll just "snap out of it".

[quitter333]

If you ask if method acting can mold you into the subject you act out - absolutely.

See, aside from all the thoughts you have, human body and brain are MADE to adapt. If you focus a lot on some certain traits, you will develop them, regardless at what level you started.

So chose your acting parts smart, and be consistent. don't push yourself from newbie to elite level (if you are shy, it probably would not be smart to start serious row with top level scientists or businessmen, or take up public speaker roles).

I adore motivational people, such as Schwarzenegger. And I also tried to often imagine what he'd do or say. I can guarantee that with time thinking about "what would he/she/jesus do" will fade away and it will be you who solely decides based on your own emotions. For example a friend started whining about his girlfriend and that he had seious depression.

Instead of being like "It's gonna be ok, bro" etc. I actually consciously decided to listen and give a fatherly advice. Gave him some advice Arnold or someone like that has said - about life being struggle and that overcoming struggles is much more rewarding and developing to person, and that focus on few essential things is key.

So.. some looong time later, he actually has good life, and actually remembered my advice.

I felt like I truly had upped my level and motivated my friend with my example. So my conscious shaping of own life worked greatly. Just keep pushing yourself to be consistently helpful, happy and productive, and pretty soon you will notice changes, and you will look back and wonder, wtf did it took you so long to start.

[All_alone]

Oh I just love those comments like snap out of it. My top of the list for me is "that's life ". And this comment coming from a person without a care in the world and posts the pics of the family, food and their wonderful life. Haven't heard the chipmunk voices, probably a good thing for me. I've given up on the false face. I just don't have the energy anymore for that facade. I'm self employed so if I need to go somewhere I pick a better day when I look half way human. The hideous mutant children comment did make me chuckle. Thank you!

[AlLeYkAt86- in reply to All_alone]

Chuckles are always needed. I try to twist my empty misery into something amusing to get through the day but it usually just comes off as bitter.....which in all candor I am.

[All_alone in reply to AlLeYkAt86-]

My amusement when I have the energy is to play with telemarketers or since I live in a gossip/rumor area I've started doing odd things to make them talk or if someone asks a nosy question I'll come up with some off the wall answer. Some of it has gotten back around to me thru a friend that knows I'm doing this. Right now I've got a loaner car while mine is in the shop. So I backed it in so they dont see dealer tags. Got it yesterday, this morning I get a txt, did you get a new car? I haven't even responded yet. It's sad how I get my amusement now..

[Kat63]

I’ve been in that place frequently myself. Some days, I’m doing very well if I’m up and dressed, and at work on time. Some days, it’s an effort to get to this level. Yay, me!

But then I realize that I’m expected to do still more. Smile. Join in mindless social chitchat. It’s not enough to just say “good morning” and start doing my work.

I try my best to “act normal” and you are right, sometimes it’s exhausting.

[All_alone in reply to Kat63]

Hi Kat63. I made it thru today, feel like I've been run over buy hey - good for me. I hope you made it thru your day...

The mindless social chitchat is extremely exhausting. In a group of people I'll just walk away, one on one I find an excuse to escape!

[Hidden]

Ha! Pithy but funny. Great to be a real person expressing your feelings.

[explorerPHX]

TOTALLY get that. pretending to be 'okay' all the time, for the sake of others, or just to avoid having those 'cheer up' moments is absolutely draining and the worst.

[TrustnGod]

I 1000000% feel you. Sometimes my facial muscles literally cannot hold up a smile or do facial expressions any longer. I will be in the middle of a conversation when my face completely falls and that’s when I know I’ve overdone it.

Ignore the ignorance of their statements. They have no idea what you’re going through and are speaking only out of their ignorance. Those who do not have anxiety or depression will never be able to truly understand what it is like.