Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi there
How are you?
I was wondering if anyone on here is struggling with their mental health? I have severe anxiety, depression and autistic shutdown which (started in August 2019) and I’m finding it a real struggle to get better and lift myself back up to who I used to be. I feel my body, mind and personality has been taken over by someone else.
Please can I ask how you manage? What sort of things do you do to relax and work your way through your mental health struggles? Do you have any traditions or special ways of helping your mental health?
I am in a lot of pain ( in my tummy) and feel sick quite a bit through the day.
If I can help anyone please let me know. I’m very interested to learn about other people’s experiences and ways of managing.
Thank you and best wishes
The stomach pain could be anxiety maybe keep a journal.. what were you thinking about before you got the pain or sick feeling? or is it happening after you've eaten something? ..if its a common/daily thing what do you eat daily? ... gluten intolerance would be guess as most people have bread at some point everyday either as toast for breakfast or sandwiches...or dairy? (if you get through a lot of milk, cheese, yoghurts etc?)
Having a dog has been my best therapy. I get out everyday in the fresh air, even if I go when no-one else is about and avoid socialising, I like to take photo's of local nature then on rainy days etc I'll have a go at sketching them. I like watercolours too so enjoy putting on some favourite records from the 80's and doing a watercolor I find it very calming.
Video games are handy to get rid of frustration a good old 'hack and slash' /role play type game old skool cartoony type graphics (nothing too gory and over-realistic).
Social Media really started to affect my mental health negatively so I closed the account. Age can have a difference if you're moving towards middle age and older. I've gone back to preferring an isolated life with my own company (and the dogs). Social commitments/expectations are usually the things that trigger negative emotions (particuarly ones like anger, resentment etc) and if I can avoid them at all it makes me feel happier and back in control again.