Alcohol

Hi, I don't have experience with alcohol but I do also struggle with unhealthy coping mechanisms (in my case comfort eating and binging etc). It is so hard to get out of and I am trying to find alternative coping mechanisms but it's not working so well- though today I was advised to 'keep it simple' when trying to find another way to unwind and cope- I actually just spend 45 hours lying outside on grass watching the clouds. I used to use exercise and outdoor activities to unwind and cope but have been unable to due to injury. I realised today that all the other strategies I tried were just too 'complicated/ too much effort and not enjoyable enough (eg. I tried boardgames, cooking, baking, origami, chess etc etc.), so that engaging in them took too much effort and left me frustrated as I didn't like it much and it wasn't productive. I think maybe the best coping strategies are those that make us feel good and that are simple and require very little (I will try just sitting outside, looking at sky, looking at pictures of hiking, making a cup of tea)- I know it's not that simple and I'm sorry if this is completely irrelevant- I had this revelation today (after ringing Samaritans as I was completely depressed, hopeless and lethargic...) and I just thought I would share it in case it is of any help.  What activities and things do you enjoy? Can you possibly also address some of the causes of your anxiety? I am trying to change things at the moment though I find that when I am stuck in this negative spiral it is really hard to make changes and plan a new future. 

I hope you find some other coping strategies. 

Hi, I don't have experience with alcohol but I do also struggle with unhealthy coping mechanisms (in my case comfort eating and binging etc). It is so hard to get out of and I am trying to find alternative coping mechanisms but it's not working so well- though today I was advised to 'keep it simple' when trying to find another way to unwind and cope- I actually just spend 45 hours lying outside on grass watching the clouds. I used to use exercise and outdoor activities to unwind and cope but have been unable to due to injury. I realised today that all the other strategies I tried were just too 'complicated/ too much effort and not enjoyable enough (eg. I tried boardgames, cooking, baking, origami, chess etc etc.), so that engaging in them took too much effort and left me frustrated as I didn't like it much and it wasn't productive. I think maybe the best coping strategies are those that make us feel good and that are simple and require very little (I will try just sitting outside, looking at sky, looking at pictures of hiking, making a cup of tea)- I know it's not that simple and I'm sorry if this is completely irrelevant- I had this revelation today (after ringing Samaritans as I was completely depressed, hopeless and lethargic...) and I just thought I would share it in case it is of any help.  What activities and things do you enjoy? Can you possibly also address some of the causes of your anxiety? I am trying to change things at the moment though I find that when I am stuck in this negative spiral it is really hard to make changes and plan a new future. 

I hope you find some other coping strategies.