Coping skills

What are some of your coping skills for anxiety/depression?

Thx in advance!

[Hidden]

Good morning swiftie 😃. I love to eat and I try to eat a lot of vegetables. I juice celery and take b vitamins. I take supplements that support my needs. I take meds and have adjusted them to make them better. I don't recommend meds if you don't have to though. I show up to therapy. And call a warmline every day lately. I could use more exercise and routine but I'm positive and working on it. I am trusting my inner authority to make decisions more and more. Self care is very helpful and everyone deserves it. Thanks

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I am so glad you use a warmline! ❤️

[Healthguide]

1)eat regular meals to maintain constant blood sugar 2)choose less refined food

3)Take in some proteins and fats

4) Drink more fluids

5)Do some regular exercises

[Hidden in reply to Healthguide]

I definitely need to drink more water and exercise more. Thank you!

[bernedoodlemom]

Some things that I have done or try to do are:

- Since I spend a lot of time in my bed, I invested in a few things that comforted me. For example, a mattress topper to make the bed for comfortable, a lavender spray to use before you go to sleep, a white noise machine (i use a free app), etc.

- For anxiety or panic attacks, my therapist recommended that I get something sour when I'm going through the attack. This is suppose to direct the mind to focus on the sour thing we're tasting instead of the attack. This could be a lemon or a sour candy like warheads!

- I personally like to journal. It was hard for me to get used to writing consistently but I realized that it helps to get my swirling thoughts out of my head.

- If you're able and think it would be a positive distraction, maybe consider getting a pet! This is not for everyone but some people feel better when they are investing themselves in something outside of them.

- If I can't get out of bed, I watch movies, tv shows, and youtube.

I hope this helps or gives you some ideas!

[Hidden in reply to bernedoodlemom]

If you can you should get a weighted blanket! I love mine.

[bernedoodlemom in reply to Hidden]

Oooo yes I have one & it’s a game changer

[Nighttimesnacks in reply to Hidden]

Oh my goodness, yes! I just got one, too and it works great!

[Nighttimesnacks]

Hi Swiftie!

Honestly, it differs depending on which one is taking over. If I'm feeling depressed I like to get cozy in bed and watch something to try to lift my spirits - I need to feel safe in those moments so getting under the sheets is nice.

When I feel anxious, my coping skills are any of the following:

1. Take deep breaths

2. Walk around the neighborhood

3. Stretch while taking deep breaths and imagining my safe place (can be imaginary or real!)

4. Play with polymer clay (or any art form where I am using my hands and focusing in on something)

5. If all else fails and I am having a panic attack, my partner will rub my back and help me breathe; perhaps even take my medication to help relieve

[Hidden in reply to Nighttimesnacks]

Awesome! Those are all great coping skills. Thx for sharing!

[Nighttimesnacks in reply to Hidden]

What works for you?

[Hidden in reply to Nighttimesnacks]

Taking a hot shower, using my oil diffuser, yoga or stretching, journaling, listening to music, reading, going on a hike if the weather is nice, song-writing, and playing the guitar. I do have a dog and she makes me feel better, too.

[Nighttimesnacks in reply to Hidden]

All of those sound lovely. What kind of dog do you have? I have a cat and she helps me, too - one look in her eyes and I feel fuzzy inside. Furry friends are the best!

[Hidden in reply to Nighttimesnacks]

She is a Coton de Tulear. Her name is Tic Tac. I love animals, too!

[Hidden in reply to Nighttimesnacks]

I probably should also say these coping skills don't always work. Some days it's hard for me to get myself to do anything. I end up crying in bed instead.

[Nighttimesnacks in reply to Hidden]

Totally understandable 💛

[Hidden in reply to Nighttimesnacks]

❤️