In need of COPING skills

All of these challenges are commonplace, what is needed is coping skills for when challenges arise.

[Agora1]

Hi, there are many coping skills out there. The key is to find what

works best for you and then practice every day. Then when you are

challenged with something, your learning skills will kick in without a

thought. xx

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome!🙂

Are you asking for advice in coping? CBT, DBT, talking therapy, etc. are but a few.

[Mary-intussuception]

X

[Hidden in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Why do doctors not have the sense not to alter coping skills. Mystery to me and why theyvarecalloed tompractice

[Blackdog1]

In my experience, there will be some trial and error. The tricky part of depression is getting the energy and motivation to stretch out long enough while you are figuring out what works for you. There are so many nuggets of advice being tossed out. All good for the individual, I'm sure; but in the end, do they apply to you, do they work for you? That's the ultimate question.

[Hidden in reply to Blackdog1]

SPOT ON!

[anneof]

I know how you feel I am here for you if I can help you at all. Are there any books or movies we could chat about to help us both get out of the sad place in our heads

[Want2BHappy3]

I agree, but Not Everybody has the means to get that kind of Help?

[CCPM]

Yes, I agree. Coping skills are so important. I wish we were all taught them in school. Would it be helpful to start off with something small like a breathing technique? If so, here's one you might like. (It helps me, but, of course, everyone has their own preferences.)

1. Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds.

2. Hold your breath for 4 seconds.

3. Breathe out through your nose for 4 seconds.

4. Hold for 4 seconds.

Repeat.

Here's a guided video that I find very relaxing:

youtube.com/watch?v=FJJazKt...(Not working as expected?)

And, here's an article that discusses both emotion-focused and problem-focused coping skills.

verywellmind.com/forty-heal...

Wishing you well.

[Hidden]

Blackdog1 got it right. CCPM - breathing is defined as an unconscious, involuntary, automatic process. CONTROLLING my breathing is not a solution but just fighting against an automatic process. Anneof if you understand, then you know we are two people in a leaking boat with no oar. Why would you look to me, or I look to you, for help getting to the shore? We need to reach out for help from those survivors ON the shore. Doggymom1 you are clueless. What does 'In need of . . .' say to you? . . and for the record, I had a therapist. Emphasis on the word HAD. The therapist was at dinner party with friends using my real name and discussing my case. As it so happened, someone at the dinner party knew me, came to me, and, in shock, told me almost everything I shared in private therapy. Oh, what a wonderful feeling that was. All I know is that depression has totally wiped out my "want to." This debilitating fatigue has made even the simplest activities extremely difficult to manage. My mind is swirling, so filled with a level of self-hate I can't look into a mirror. I am trapped in emotional pain. I am so tired and so weak. I know I am rambling but I am desperately trying to put words to all of this. It is like every happy, joyful memory of my life never existed. I am a shell - void and empty of past, present, or future. There is NO fight left in me. Talking about this is like talking about diet and exercise. . . . pointless!

[AllTimeLow in reply to Hidden]

Somewhat understand your frustration. My own miserable existence has me overwhelmed. It's hard to keep going. Wish you well!

[utep99]

One of the best is to slow your breathing and inhale slowly for a minute if you can and then exhale slowly for a minute if you can. do this in sets of five and coping becomes much easier.