Oh (((((((((((Pupp)))))))))))))) I have more addictions than I can remember at times...

Usually, I try to do the exact opposite of what the addiction is telling me to do... like, if I'm feeling like I hate myself and I should just do <blank> then I do the exact opposite of what that nasty voice is saying... so I try to do something good for myself, even if it's as corny as saying "I love me" (even if I don't believe it).

I try to come up with a list of things to do instead of giving into the urge...

- I call people. Okay, it's a bit early for you to be calling someone - but if you like to talk to people, or like phoning people and can get support that way, then do it!
- I listen to music. Lots of music. I sing along with it too. Out loud.
- I journal. Write down what you're feeling, what the urges are telling you to do, what you want to be doing, and then just keep writing... it sometimes gets the feeling out.
- Resort to a "healthy" addiction... like I really like chocolate and sugar and caffeine... sometimes they're not a healthy addiction, but if it's between eating a bowl of icecream and doing something immediately harmful to myself, I'd choose the ice cream!
- I play with my rats. I love animals. Do you have any pets? Perhaps if you don't, that's something to consider in the future... pets have a remarkable way of distracting us and loving us when we don't love ourselves.
- I write a long ranting post here on PC. Seriously!! I've written a lot here over the years when I've wanted to give into an urge or give into an addiction.
- I read. Something completely frivilous... like a fiction book. Or a funny book... something that's easy to distract yourself with.
- I watch TV or watch a funny movie. Not a scary or traumatizing movie, something funny or fluffy... like a romance comedy.
- I sleep. Sometimes me sleeping is a kind of addiction, but trying to sleep when you want to resort to an addiction is a great coping mechanism!!