My family is estranged, I live alone, and I don't have close friends. However, I find purposes for living in trying to be of service to others, even in small ways. I try to be of service through the 12 Step program I am involved in, through volunteering to do things such as recycling at the apt building where I live, moderating an email list unrelated to mental health, and other ways that may seem small but are something. I can contribute time, energy, and some kind words that may help others.

In the 12 Step program I go to, some have been lost to S, and it has been very difficult for the survivors, who start questioning keeping their sobriety. This is particularly true for members lost to S who have years in the program. I have some time, and when I am in a dark place and have the screw-its, I remember that my S may be contagious in others relapsing or S, too.

I also try to get enough sleep and naps because when I am tired and exhausted, I can be infected with the screw-its and give up. In 12 Step programs, HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) is an warning acronym for when bad decisions such a relapsing can be made.

Trying to take and live just One Day at a Time also helps me cope. I can get the screw-its when I start imaging worst-case scenarios that may happen in the coming months, years, or forever, and it will always be like this. When I am in a rough patch, taking even One Day at a Time may be too long, so I try to take One Hour or 10 Minutes or 1 Minute or just One Breath at a Time. Just live and cope in each time interval--getting through One Breath or the longer intervals helps me cope with the next, one at a time.

Best wishes to all!