I'm on an upswing right now and I'm becoming severely agitated. My go to coping strategies are self harm or meds. Obviously self harm isn't healthy. Unfortunately my ativan is at home and I am not. All my fidgit toys are at home, so I'm pacing and ringing my hands.

Can anyone give me some ideas on how to self sooth until I go home? I'm on edge and ready to tell everyone to F off. Not good. So not good.

[Daonnachd]

What about sketching or doodling something. I know finding a subject when agitated is or can be difficult, so how about creating an image or series of images of a fidget cube?

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by TheSadGirl

I'm on an upswing right now and I'm becoming severely agitated. My go to coping strategies are self harm or meds. Obviously self harm isn't healthy. Unfortunately my ativan is at home and I am not. All my fidgit toys are at home, so I'm pacing and ringing my hands.

Can anyone give me some ideas on how to self sooth until I go home? I'm on edge and ready to tell everyone to F off. Not good. So not good.

Paperclip Eiffel tower.
Write the f word a couple hundred times in all directions on a paper then color it in. I've done that once, but only 100. It was actually pretty with all the randomness of coloring that didn't highlight any one f word.
Tear a single piece of paper in as small pieces as you can, then throw it in the wind. I like this one.
Stuff a paperclip into a lighter and use it to melt ice. Be careful with this.
Keep one hand in your pocket, while flipping everyone off with it.
Breathe. Let it go. Think about how you'll feel better later and later is getting closer and closer.
Know that you're loved.

[Wild Coyote]

I am sorry; I am at a loss for suggestions at the moment.
I am also sorry you are in distress.

I hope you can get through this okay.


WC

[99fairies]

Lots of love and big hugs. I hope you feel better really soon.

[Tucson]

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

Paperclip Eiffel tower.
Write the f word a couple hundred times in all directions on a paper then color it in. I've done that once, but only 100. It was actually pretty with all the randomness of coloring that didn't highlight any one f word.
Tear a single piece of paper in as small pieces as you can, then throw it in the wind. I like this one.
Stuff a paperclip into a lighter and use it to melt ice. Be careful with this.
Keep one hand in your pocket, while flipping everyone off with it.
Breathe. Let it go. Think about how you'll feel better later and later is getting closer and closer.
Know that you're loved.

Extraordinarily helpful advice. I do not think you advice can be any better than this. How creative!

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by Tucson

Extraordinarily helpful advice. I do not think you advice can be any better than this. How creative!

The pocket bird used to be a favorite until I realized I was pulling it out at times or sticking it up enough to see anyway. Not being a Brit, and living in a place of ignorance, I started giving the peace sign, then flipping it around regularly saying "here's a peace sign, and oh look, one for me too!" It usually worked well.
I'm not quite that kind these days, but I have moments.

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

Paperclip Eiffel tower.
Write the f word a couple hundred times in all directions on a paper then color it in. I've done that once, but only 100. It was actually pretty with all the randomness of coloring that didn't highlight any one f word.
Tear a single piece of paper in as small pieces as you can, then throw it in the wind. I like this one.
Stuff a paperclip into a lighter and use it to melt ice. Be careful with this.
Keep one hand in your pocket, while flipping everyone off with it.
Breathe. Let it go. Think about how you'll feel better later and later is getting closer and closer.
Know that you're loved.

This was helpful as well as the chat and songs. Just want you to know you are appreciated.

[KYWoman]

Imagine a magical thought that would snap you out of this agitation?? I'm sorry you are in this space and I know you will make it without self harm.

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by TheSadGirl

This was helpful as well as the chat and songs. Just want you to know you are appreciated.

I feel like sometimes I am. It's always nice to get affirmations though.
Thank you my friend

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by KYWoman

Imagine a magical thought that would snap you out of this agitation?? I'm sorry you are in this space and I know you will make it without self harm.

Does you has a magical thought, he asked her knowingly? Please share?

[GoldenSnitch]

I just wanted to offer some hugs. I see you already got some creative suggestions so I hope they help you

I survived the day without ativan. Woo-hoo! (Really working on coping skills). Thanks for the comments.

[Pookyl]

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

Paperclip Eiffel tower.
Write the f word a couple hundred times in all directions on a paper then color it in. I've done that once, but only 100. It was actually pretty with all the randomness of coloring that didn't highlight any one f word.
Tear a single piece of paper in as small pieces as you can, then throw it in the wind. I like this one.
Stuff a paperclip into a lighter and use it to melt ice. Be careful with this.
Keep one hand in your pocket, while flipping everyone off with it.
Breathe. Let it go. Think about how you'll feel better later and later is getting closer and closer.
Know that you're loved.

Oooh this is a great idea. Although because I don’t use the f word so much I’d find an equally fun word. You’ve reminded me how much I like shredding paper.

TheSadGirl I’m happy to hear your agitation has lessened.