This is a running thread to encourage each other in keeping up with healthy coping, living, taking care of ourselves.

Because ultimately, it makes us stronger and feel better.

Feels like voyeurism with all the thread views.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Skies

This is a running thread to encourage each other in keeping up with healthy coping, living, taking care of ourselves.

Because ultimately, it makes us stronger and feel better.

I agree, sharing what works for us and what doesn't may help someone else. I'm all for that. The problem is that we all are so different yet so much a like. So we have to wade through all the options and find what's the best fit for us.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Skies

Feels like voyeurism with all the thread views.

I don't think so. When you are in a public forum people are going to look. People can look at these threads if they are members or not. So don't post anything you don't want the whole world to know about And keep you identity private.

[reb569]

I think this is a great idea! One thing I struggle with recently is unfinished projects. It could be related to my web design work (freelance), work, reading books (I am currently reading about 5 different books) making appointments, projects around the house (like reorganizing, things you don't do every day or periodically). Anyone have any recommendations?

[Nicknamed Mouse]

I have had a recent change of medication due to pain. Was feeling more depressed and tearful before change but now just do not have any motivation, wake up tired after 9 hours sleep and don't want to get out of bed... plus when I do I am eating all the wrong foods and have no self control over that, so am putting on weight.
Help.... how can I change this pattern?

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by reb569

I think this is a great idea! One thing I struggle with recently is unfinished projects. It could be related to my web design work (freelance), work, reading books (I am currently reading about 5 different books) making appointments, projects around the house (like reorganizing, things you don't do every day or periodically). Anyone have any recommendations?

Make lists. Make a list of what you have done instead of what you have to do. You can have a what needs to be done list somewhere else and then mark it off when you get one of those done.
I have the same problem in executing the final step. I'm on the HOA board and I do all this work to get venders in here and then I can't call them to do the work. So I've got someone else to help me with that. But it's kind of the same thing.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Nicknamed Mouse

I have had a recent change of medication due to pain. Was feeling more depressed and tearful before change but now just do not have any motivation, wake up tired after 9 hours sleep and don't want to get out of bed... plus when I do I am eating all the wrong foods and have no self control over that, so am putting on weight.
Help.... how can I change this pattern?

I would talk to the doctor, maybe they can try something else.

(((Trace)))-some of them could be voyeurs, you know. The person who stalked me x.... Thanks for reminding me its the past So glad you are all here, it feels different now.

(((Nicknamed))) one thing i noticed helped me is not thinking before doing so I don't get caught up in the anxiety and excuses etc. It doesn't have to be a habit yet-thinking before doing is what makes it a habit afterall, right? My reflection of the day, anyway.

Today I did my cardio gym routine despite it being so hot in there and being so tired and so much to do (didn't let my thoughts drift to that stuff too much). Then I couldn't access my music. Given all that, I only burned 1/2 the calories, didn't work as hard.

I have to do it 6-7 days a week to make it work, so it becomes a habit. I've done it in the past by forcing myself to without thinking as i think it will be really helpful for the physical aspects of my depression.

(((reb569))) I like Trace's idea about lists. Maybe you crave stimulation and get bored? Or maybe you have focus issues? I haven't been able to read books in a long time, it's hard. Maybe you are the creative type. I have an idea-since all that is mental, or at least it seems, look at physical stuff. Do grounding stuff with sand, stones, trees outside. See if that helps.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Skies

(((Trace)))-some of them could be voyeurs, you know. The person who stalked me x.... Thanks for reminding me its the past So glad you are all here, it feels different now.

(((Nicknamed))) one thing i noticed helped me is not thinking before doing so I don't get caught up in the anxiety and excuses etc. It doesn't have to be a habit yet-thinking before doing is what makes it a habit afterall, right? My reflection of the day, anyway.

Today I did my cardio gym routine despite it being so hot in there and being so tired and so much to do (didn't let my thoughts drift to that stuff too much). Then I couldn't access my music. Given all that, I only burned 1/2 the calories, didn't work as hard.

I have to do it 6-7 days a week to make it work, so it becomes a habit. I've done it in the past by forcing myself to without thinking as i think it will be really helpful for the physical aspects of my depression.

(((reb569))) I like Trace's idea about lists. Maybe you crave stimulation and get bored? Or maybe you have focus issues? I haven't been able to read books in a long time, it's hard. Maybe you are the creative type. I have an idea-since all that is mental, or at least it seems, look at physical stuff. Do grounding stuff with sand, stones, trees outside. See if that helps.

Good ideas and way to go with the cardio!
One thing my T has brought to my attention and keeps bringing it up is the avoidance we do, the excuses, which are avoidance also, we give for not doing something. Seems the best way to handle that is when there is an issue we wanted to avoid go ahead and do it anyway. As long as it's safe to do so. I really have to work on that because the PTSD has been going on for so long that my avoidance responses are who I am now, normal responses for me. Will be interesting to see who comes out on the other side

Good thoughts Trace. My therapist has told me to go away from the anxiety rather than towards it. That seems along the same lines as what you said.

Avoidance can be procrastination too, from conflicts, which can be related to anxiety.

If your avoidance is a response, maybe it isn't who you are after all?

[Trace14]

Not really. If I face these things or people and see they can no longer hurt or control me it should give me a self esteem boost I would think. Reduce fear and anger, find resolution and not carrying it around on my shoulders anymore. To have that type of release is bound to change person for the better. I guess it also depends on the situation and what work through it means. If someone in my life was toxic leaving them would be a part of working through that. have you ever looked into DBT?

Originally Posted by Nicknamed Mouse

I have had a recent change of medication due to pain. Was feeling more depressed and tearful before change but now just do not have any motivation, wake up tired after 9 hours sleep and don't want to get out of bed... plus when I do I am eating all the wrong foods and have no self control over that, so am putting on weight.
Help.... how can I change this pattern?

(((Nicknamed Mouse)))

If you keep certain things always in your house, you can eat satisfying stuff that fills you up--smoothies. Anti-inflammatory foods could help pain too.

So smoothies. They are easy, but washing the blender is a pain. Have these staples in your house at all times:

ripe bananas to use instead of sugar (when get too ripe, peel and put in freezer)
avocados (when too ripe, cut in 4 and put in freezer)
frozen sweet cherries (great plain-right from the freezer for a snack, too)
frozen strawberries
vanilla extract
Vanilla protein power
organic spinach or kale
organic beets
carrots
cashews
Unsweetened dark cocoa
coconut milk (canned)
flax seeds
almond milk

to make things like this, which is what I had for dinner last night:

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Shake | Detoxinista

A creamy, dairy-free smoothie that tastes like a chocolate-covered strawberry!

1 cup water or almond milk.
1 frozen banana.
1 cup frozen organic strawberries.
¼ ripe avocado.
2 handfuls fresh spinach.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
1 heaping tablespoons raw cacao powder.
ice, if needed for texture.

http://detoxinista.com/2013/02/choco...awberry-shake/

Smoothies are really satisfying and easy to make. You don't have to use recipes, it's easy enough to find stuff around the kitchen that works if you keep your kitchen stocked with the main staples i listed above.

Google key words for items you have on hand along with other ingredients to find your smoothie you want now. Mix up the recipes to adapt it whatever you have in the house. Google recipes from blogs to get creative ideas and target nutrients.

Nutritional, satisfying, and filling. I'm going to buy frozen papaya as it's a strong, digestive enzyme. May invent my own smoothies later this week using green tea instead of milk and anti-inflammatory fruits and veggies.

Do you have some things that work for you?

No, DBT is not my thing. Someone else asked me that tonight too!

But yeah, I am doing bad. Got a bad episode of PTSD this morning too-what's happending with my brain. Have a long workday tomorrow. Already took my ambien.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Skies

(((Nicknamed Mouse)))

If you keep certain things always in your house, you can eat satisfying stuff that fills you up--smoothies. Anti-inflammatory foods could help pain too.

So smoothies. They are easy, but washing the blender is a pain. Have these staples in your house at all times:

ripe bananas to use instead of sugar (when get too ripe, peel and put in freezer)
avocados (when too ripe, cut in 4 and put in freezer)
frozen sweet cherries (great plain-right from the freezer for a snack, too)
frozen strawberries
vanilla extract
Vanilla protein power
organic spinach or kale
organic beets
carrots
cashews
Unsweetened dark cocoa
coconut milk (canned)
flax seeds
almond milk

to make things like this, which is what I had for dinner last night:


Smoothies are really satisfying and easy to make. You don't have to use recipes, it's easy enough to find stuff around the kitchen that works if you keep your kitchen stocked with the main staples i listed above.

Google key words for items you have on hand along with other ingredients to find your smoothie you want now. Mix up the recipes to adapt it whatever you have in the house. Google recipes from blogs to get creative ideas and target nutrients.

Nutritional, satisfying, and filling. I'm going to buy frozen papaya as it's a strong, digestive enzyme. May invent my own smoothies later this week using green tea instead of milk and anti-inflammatory fruits and veggies.

Do you have some things that work for you?

Good info., I like smoothies when it's hot outside. I like Blueberries, bananas and strawberries, greek yogurt and a vegetable protein powder, almond milk, and ice

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Skies

No, DBT is not my thing. Someone else asked me that tonight too!

But yeah, I am doing bad. Got a bad episode of PTSD this morning too-what's happending with my brain. Have a long workday tomorrow. Already took my ambien.

How can you being doing bad with all the love and support here LOL? Remember the ebb of the healing process, a wave pattern. Sometimes the up and downs will be stronger with larger gaps, then as healing starts the waves get smaller and less frequent, at least that's what I'm hoping

i think the outside stressors (burdensome issues with work, health, etc) are really impacting how I feel because I had so many at once and can't get everything caught up or smoothed out and then more get added on to the mix. And too much at once in a short period weakened my resilience.

Think of something like bubble gum. Blow a bubble and the gum thins out and eventually breaks. Well, there are too many 'thin' spots now in several different places, so things are affecting me more.

I had a medical procedure this morning and had an episode of PTSD from it. That's what i mean, it's too much consecutive and cumulative. But there's really no breaks right now, i'm trying a lot of things to help myself but it doesn't change the stuff coming in.

It is true there are ups and down to the emotional aspects. Thanks for the encouragement and support Trace. Hope you have a good weekend.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Skies

i think the outside stressors (burdensome issues with work, health, etc) are really impacting how I feel because I had so many at once and can't get everything caught up or smoothed out and then more get added on to the mix. And too much at once in a short period weakened my resilience.

Think of something like bubble gum. Blow a bubble and the gum thins out and eventually breaks. Well, there are too many 'thin' spots now in several different places, so things are affecting me more.

I had a medical procedure this morning and had an episode of PTSD from it. That's what i mean, it's too much consecutive and cumulative. But there's really no breaks right now, i'm trying a lot of things to help myself but it doesn't change the stuff coming in.

It is true there are ups and down to the emotional aspects. Thanks for the encouragement and support Trace. Hope you have a good weekend.

Totally understandable. I have chronic pain, allergies are kicking my butt, I am on a Home Owners Assoc board and everyone wants something done now, and there's no way of keeping everyone happy, then dealing with therapy, CPTSD...., not having a job, it's a lot to deal with. No one would survive all that at once. So what we have to do is break it down into manageable pieces, make a list and see what has to be done now and what can wait. What issues I have control over and what issues I have no control over. Those I have no control over do not deserve my time or worry. You shouldn't put goals so high that they unattainable, but then again you want them high enough that it does require some work. Like therapy, if it's easy, it's not helping.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed come here and talk it out with people who care and understand. We will get through this, we are strong survivors for making it this far. Now that we have the support of each other we are even stronger. You have a wonderful weekend as well, try to relax and do something good for yourself.

[MtnTime2896]

I like this thread. Thank you for creating it.

Wish I had some words of wisdom, but I'm falling short today.

[reb569]

Originally Posted by Trace14

Make lists. Make a list of what you have done instead of what you have to do. You can have a what needs to be done list somewhere else and then mark it off when you get one of those done.
I have the same problem in executing the final step. I'm on the HOA board and I do all this work to get venders in here and then I can't call them to do the work. So I've got someone else to help me with that. But it's kind of the same thing.

The idea of making a list of what I've done instead of what I need to do is interesting.

Overall I'm terrible with lists, but I just might try that!

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by reb569

The idea of making a list of what I've done instead of what I need to do is interesting.

Overall I'm terrible with lists, but I just might try that!

It's an idea from Kati Morton. Because list of what you need to get done can be so overwhelming. If you make a list of what you have done it gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Not having a good day. So incredibly tired, didn't sleep well. Tried a trazadone last night instead of ambien. It was horrible. It's worked for me before, unsure why it made things so bad.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Skies

Not having a good day. So incredibly tired, didn't sleep well. Tried a trazadone last night instead of ambien. It was horrible. It's worked for me before, unsure why it made things so bad.

I get head fog from Trazadone, so I stopped taking them. It would finally lift late afternoon, but it was too late then. Lunesta works best for me.
Hope you get to feeling better.

How's your day going Trace? You seem quiet.

You're welcome. How are you doing this weekend?

Originally Posted by Só leigheas

I like this thread. Thank you for creating it.

Wish I had some words of wisdom, but I'm falling short today.