Slipping

I have been doing much better in the past week or so but I can feel myself slipping, feeling on edge, wanting to isolate, lacking concentration/motivation at work etc.

What should I do? I don't want to go back to where I was a few weeks/months ago.

[Hidden]

Thank you for replying, when I just do nothing though I feel as if my thoughts are more negative and everything seems pointless. I feel as though I need to be proactive - is that wrong? Thank you again for replying.

[Lindyloo53 Volunteer]

Keep reaching out. Try to connect with people, in real time as well as here. Isolation is the beginning for me of a slippery slide into depression. I've learned over the years that that place is a place I want o avoid so I do the work of getting out and connecting with people in real time. My heart does go out to you though because it takes real effort to reach out from that place. It's well worth the effort though I have learned.

[Hidden in reply to Lindyloo53]

Thank you. I did go into work today and it's true being around others does help even when you dread it and think you want to be alone. Have cancelled plans for tomorrow though and ma set for a long quiet weekend alone which may or may not help. It's hard to know what I actually need and what's for the best sometimes.

[Equis-Canine Volunteer]

Be easy on yourself. I feel this way from time to time. It use to make me panic. Now, I realize it is just part of the process. The more I focus on it, the longer the feeling lasts. My therapist had to remind me how much better I am doing now than a year ago. That positive statement helps me when I over focus on a bad day or week.

[Hidden in reply to Equis-Canine]

So pleased that you are doing better. Sometimes it is hard for us to see these things ourselves so I'm glad you were able to reflect on this with your therapist

[Equis-Canine Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Isn't it interesting how all of us can relate to this. At the beginning of this journey, I would just crawl into bed and stay there. Now when I am low, I allow myself to watch a couple of hours of mindless TV or I go outside and garden. Then I start again........

[GRUMPYA]

I agree with Chilli and Lindy. I also find that i have to stay active when i am alone so i generally knit or i restore old furniture. I find if i sit idle my thoughts drag me down but being creative and making something useful at the same time balances me too

[maggymax]

It is a phase. Ride it out. Think of it like climbing a mountain. You don't do it all in one go. You climb for awhile then stop and take a breather. Or on stormy days you decide to spend a couple of nights in your tent with a cup of hot chocolate before you begin the climb again. You will know if you have fallen off the mountain and you will take the steps you need to take to get back on the right path if that happens. But you are not there now. I think we all go through these troughs on the healing path. Accept the feelings and let us know in a few days how you are doing.

[Hidden in reply to maggymax]

Wonderful analogy!

[Hidden in reply to maggymax]

Love this! Thank you. A long weekend with my hot chocolate in my tent is just what I think I may need

[maggymax in reply to Hidden]

Keep on hiking! Likely only those of us healing from trauma can relate so well to the mountain climbing analogy. I understand there are actually people who walk along level paths and open highways in their lives. "Trauma" is a broken fingernail, mismatched socks or a missed bus in the morning. But not those of us on a healing journey. Many days are an uphill climb with plenty of backsliding. Love, patience, understanding and perseverance are mandatory. Enjoy your hot chocolate!