When you're angry, depressed, or anxious, what relaxes you the most?

• When I'm angry and upset, it helps to isolate myself from everybody. Being near people just makes me more upset/agitated.
• When I'm depressed and having suicidal thoughts, I listen to music. Music helps keep my mind off the negative thoughts.
• When I'm anxious, I find a very involved activity that keeps me distracted. For example, puzzles and games.

[fishin fool]

Keeping my mind off things by going fishing or
Physical contact with my GF.
Both will relax me and my mind.

kissing my cat

[raspberrytorte]

Being with my husband.

[pirilin]

Makin' luv?. And the survey said..........

[1278]

Watching youtube videos and tv shows on my laptop, gaming on my worn out playstation 2

[cashart10]

Long drives...which can be detrimental while manic, so my husband gets to decide if I can take a long drive or not (it is very frustrating in the moment). He takes all the keys from me in that case.

Long showers (unless I'm super depressed and then have an aversion to showers)

Prayer and deep breathing.

Grounding techniques.

Possible trigger:

Keeping in constant conversation with my mom and then my husband or sister if I am particularly suicidal.

There are many things I've been taught over the years that I have applied and I know would work but it is hard to remember when you are under a black veil of depression, your anger and irritably are out of control and your anxiety is on the verge of a panic attack.

[Yoda]

Being with my animals. Sadly it has been four years this month since Dusty died.

[Serzen]

Swimming

[hahayeahtotallylol]

being alone

[Keegan2015]

When I'm angry it usually helps if I talk to someone about it (friends, parents, strangers on the internet, whatever)

Depressed = music or aroma therapy. Maybe watching a stupid comedy movie or playing a musical instrument.

Anxious = taking my mind off of the anxiety by writing a short story or playing an engaging video game.

(Hahaha, Pirilin! And the survey said.... Amen to that!)

Ok, let's see...
Angry/upset:
* Isolate, breathe, talk myself down (hopefully!).
*Sometimes just have to medicate and sleep it out.

Depressed: Distraction!!!
#1 is to watch funny dvds.
* Music (So-called "depressing" stuff. Helps because it makes me feel understood in a way nothing else can.)
* Read on forum (out of my head/focus on others -- even if can't respond).
* Hanging out with my guinea pig.
* Recently got into the coloring thing. I'm fanatical about color, so it's engrossing. (Haven't tried it with anxiety yet.)
* If it's really bad, sorry to say -- nothing. (Unless staring motionless at a wall for hours counts. Probably doesn't. )

Anxious:
* Cleaning. It's a reflex reaction. Did it for many years before realizing the connection(!) Involves motion and control, so it makes sense.
* Mindfulness. Like completely focusing on a single leaf --colors, patterns, light and shadow, movement etc..
* If we're talking high levels or panic, lay down if possible, close eyes, try to stomach breathe and talk myself down. If that's not working, take my PRN and repeat.

* Another is (stealth) repetative hand motions. (2 main ones, thumb to fingers of partially closed hand, one involving tapping, the other, tracing). Anxiety kicks them into high gear. They are completely useless as a tip. Again with the motion. Not sure if they're calming per se, but maybe something in the familiarity(?) (I've done them for many, many years.)

[Ocean Swimmer]

Swimming!

[Roaming_bird]

Originally Posted by Ocean Swimmer

Swimming!

Ocean, have I mentioned how jealous I am of you? I would love to be where you are.

Back to the question:
Being in my hammock when it's warm enough.
Reading in a coffee shop.
Time with my dh, unless we're arguing.
Sleeping/napping.
Wine with a friend.

[gina_re]

Watching tv and/or listening to music