Avoidance as a coping mechanism.

Ocean Swimmer · Nov 30, 2016, 05:25 PM

It seems that I'm avoiding everything in order to avoid stress or an episode.
This is a terrible way to live.
I've got to find a solution.
I used to get addicted to motivation tapes. And stuff like The 4 agreements.
The secret. Right now I can't get anything out of it.
What works for you?

Moogieotter · Nov 30, 2016, 05:30 PM

The Secret is cool.

Nov 30, 2016, 05:31 PM

I avoid too. When stuff is too overwhelming, it's the smartest and safest decision. Some people survive by being warriors and conquering.....others survive simply because they know how to hide. If I can't handle something, I can't handle it. Once I'm well enough, then I can add responsibilities a little at a time.

Ocean Swimmer · Nov 30, 2016, 05:34 PM

Prozac is a med I've never been on. Or Xanax.

leejosepho · Nov 30, 2016, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

Some people survive by being warriors and conquering.....others survive simply because they know how to hide.

I used to be the former (or I at least thought I was), but I have since learned my only shot at stress reduction for survival today is through avoidance or at least postponement until a better-suited day.

Nov 30, 2016, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leejosepho

I used to be the former (or I at least thought I was), but I have since learned my only shot at stress reduction for survival today is through avoidance or at least postponement until a better-suited day.

Most of the time I survive by being a chameleon. I just blend into the background and try to avoid being noticed. I'm not always well enough to do this but I find it's the most effective way to make it through this world when I'm centered enough to accomplish it.

Ocean Swimmer · Nov 30, 2016, 06:03 PM

I guess when I was younger I managed my manic episodes to work. Build. Have businesses.
Then I started to get mixed states and the manic drove the depression to attempted suicide
Now I'm depleted. No emotional energy.
I don't know what to expect from the future.

Ocean Swimmer · Nov 30, 2016, 06:04 PM

Also took 2 years to bounce back from the ECT

leejosepho · Nov 30, 2016, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ocean Swimmer

Now I'm depleted. No emotional energy.

Yes, same here, and I definitely avoid things with overtly-emotional demands...kind of Spock-like. Vulcans actually do have emotions but have set intellect and logic above them.

Ocean Swimmer · Nov 30, 2016, 06:54 PM

Funny though. I used to feed on drama. Emotional highs and go-go- go.
Maybe age is a factor. And menopause.
But that would be sad.

Nov 30, 2016, 07:36 PM

I try to avoid stressors too.

Sometimes I take "chances" to see how far I can push myself. Some of my experiments have failed; others have succeeded. But I think taking chances is the only way to know what is and isn't a trigger. It's also the only way to live (IMO).

Life is about risks! (What fun is life without risks?)

I say, do what you want to do. Don't let stressors hold you back. You want to enjoy life to the fullest. Sure, sometimes experiments might not work out, but nothing in life is perfect.

leejosepho · Nov 30, 2016, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

I try to avoid stressors too...

But I think taking chances is the only way to know what is and isn't a trigger...

I say, do what you want to do. Don't let stressors hold you back. You want to enjoy life to the fullest. Sure, sometimes experiments might not work out, but nothing in life is perfect.

Understood and agreed, and especially as we grow a little wiser or more rightly-selective-for-oneself along the way.

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