Your are most welcome Moose. We are here for you and we care about how you are doing. You are going to be okay. You are strong and insightful and you will get through this difficult time. Take it one step at a time with an aim of not getting caught up reacting to symptoms. Name them, put them in context and let them run the course without letting them take you where you don't want to go.

I have made myself a list to remind me how best to cope when a particular emotion or urge starts to consume me. At the top of the list is a reminder that in those moments of distress 'my brain is playing tricks with me'. The emotion is over the top and not an accurate reflection of my reality. That opens me up to applying the coping mechanisms I have learned that can ease a particular symptom.

When we are off balance I think of it this way. What I think are real emotions in those moments of distress are actually symptoms. I think the distiction is key. One seems internal while the other external. External is easier to cope with. At least for me.

This acknowledgement, depending on how early into the feelings of distress can often give me the strength to refocus on coping or sitting with the symptom before the emotion gets too overwhelming. Consequently I am much less likely to act out in unhealthy and distructive ways just to get some kind of a release from the emotional overload.

Wishing you well as always. Treat yourself with kindness. You will be okay.