Tinkerbell,

I really do understand what you're talking about. Some times are more miserable than others ~ I'm actually on a big high right now, but just this morning I was fighting SI (as usual). Crazy!

Are you seeing a T that practices CBT or is it DBT? Just curious, my T doesn't specialize in either, but I do go to group DBT which can help a lot in those really dark times. We're finishing one of the segments now, on Emotion Regulation. I have a LONG list of pleasant events to refer to, to get me through the hard times.

There are over 176 things listed (that don't involve self-harm), a few of my favorites: arts & crafts, cooking, hiking, walking or running, gardening, playing tennis, listening to music, walking in the woods or at the ocean, collecting shells & stones, photography of flowers (nature), playing with animals, cleaning (to get aggression out), splurging (although I can't afford it!), playing cards, word search puzzles, shooting pool, working on a puzzle, visiting museums, and thinking about becoming active in the community. For instance, I've adopted a certain part of a nearby highway to pick up trash. Litter is a big pet peeve of mine, so I enjoy walking a few miles and cleaning the sides of the road. Nature is my personal #1 relief ~ it doesn't trigger me. People do trigger me, which is why almost all of my favorite events don't involve other people.

They say that the lower that we feel, the more positive experiences we need to get us through to a better state of mind. Try to put all of your thought into doing ___. Sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste (if applicable).

((((hugs))))