After a certain point, because I used to be really shut down emotionally, I began to welcome the sadness/grief/pain like a long lost relative I haven't seen. Because it was a part of me that I'd sluffed off and neglected, because I hadn't had a space before therapy to talk about these experiences that brought the painful feelings. Changing how I felt about experiencing these emotions definitely helped me get some distance from the intensity of them.

But in the long run, self care in all kinds of ways is what has helped me cope with everything the world tosses at me, including the things I do to myself. Turning on my lightbox first thing in the morning over the winter, making sure I get healthy food and exercise, and doing the other things I can is my best comfort, including asking those in my social support network directly for support or sharing that this week or whatever has been difficult.