[Ryath]

Im at a point where i feel like ive hit a wall, my therapy isnt progressing, my meds dont help, im so overwhelmed by nothing at all and my skin is crawling. All i can do at the moment is nothing. Usually ive got a bag of tricks that i use to help when my mind isnt working but today they bring me no relief. What kind of things do people use just to take their minds off the pain? I just want distraction...

[Travelinglady]

Hi, Ryath, and welcome to Psych Central! I use distraction, but I also try to find things that are soothing to my body--like a warm bath or shower, petting the cat (softness), pleasant smells, or listening to relaxing music. Or I try to read a fascinating book or find something I have enjoyed in the past. Even getting out with friends can help me feel better. Folks also say exercise can help, but I am a lazy soul.

Hope something I said helps.

[Flummixed]

I find comfort when I can find a "rock" to hold on to. Sometimes my wife or one of my kids is my rock. Sometimes it's as silly as a video game or a song is my rock. Call me nuts but I've already listened to the same 5 minute song for over 2 hours just to feel better and come back from the brink. I'm also at a point in my therapies where meds are still being tweaked and therapy is a challenge as my insurance doesn't help much and its very expensive. I hope you can find your "rock".

Ryath, I'm in the same position as you: meds and therapy aren't helping to alleviate the mental anguish I'm in (severe depression). I'll be anxious to read what others suggest as a way to combat it. It seems that no matter what I do, the depression is always there and has been for almost 9 months. Just know you're not alone in your feelings.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I sometimes invent a "new" me....right now I am trying using essential oils and new hobbies like growing things and learning and researching information about things I am currently interested in. In the past, I also used journaling which allowed me to connect to that part of me that I had hidden even from myself. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Grab a scrap piece of paper and just write about what you know. For example:

Today, I know these things:

The sun is shining and I don't really care. I used to care but not today.
Its warm outside and that makes me a little happy.
I opened the windows and the fresh air felt good in my lungs.
I am reading a good book which keeps my mind occupied for at least a few moments.
I made yummy coffee and I appreciate that.
I am not ashamed that something as simple as coffee brightens my day.

Today I will:
Allow myself to drink coffee and be happy for it.
Breathe fresh air and be happy I can breathe it.
Read a good book and appreciate that I know how to read.
Allow myself sadness if I need to.
Not be ashamed of my sadness.

Just a little insight.....

Happy thoughts to you. Nice to meet you! We're here for you. Keep coming back!

[Hedwig3.0]

I got to AA where they suggest the serenity prayer, a gratitude list and don't get to (HALT) hungry, angry, lonely, tired.

They also say things like don't give up before the miracle happens. I kept on chipping away at things and managed to reduce most of my anxiety after 30 years of dealing with it.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I agree with HALT. I learned it in a hospital.

[Ryath]

HALT sounds theoretically like a great idea, and Ive been instructed again and again on managing these basics. Its just when things are not so great I cant eat or sleep despite using various medications. I dont tend to get angry just lost. I know what I SHOULD do I just cant actually do it and not for lack of trying. Im sure im not the only one

[HALLIEBETH87]

Oh no youre not the only one. Ive talked to my T many times about how I know tons of ways to cope but in that moment...I simply cannot cope. I just cant.