Hi all,

I need some advice from the community.

My go to coping mechanism for many years has been regression. I have my teddy bears, my blankies and my diapers... I struggle with shame and self-judgment when it comes to these things despite the fact that they provide a source of comfort and security and safety that I cannot find anywhere else. I call this safe place my little space. The problem is my little space keeps me in bed, and it keeps me there for long hours, sometimes days...

Basically I am spending too much time in little space and I am filled with guilt / shame and regret for not having a life worth living... It is keeping me from having the life I want and I need to make changes in baby steps. I try so hard to get out of bed but I really struggle because it is so comforting to me...

I am going to try and be mindful of and replace those automatic go-to coping mechanisms like little space, eating unhealthy food, video games, movies and relaxation, and replace them with more long-term and potentially healthier coping mechanisms such as exercising, new recipes, social outings, walks, music, exercising, reading, photography, hikes, journaling, etc.

Does anyone have any advice or insight when it comes to making these changes and ACTUALLY doing them? I am looking for insight into how to confront the urges to fall back and regress and how to overrule and actually move forward. How to stay present when I am feeling the urge to regress, etc.

Basically I need to accept that I am a man, that I can no longer be a child and that I have a responsibility to look after myself, because no one else will...

BIG change for me. Please help.

Thanks,
HD7970ghz