[Musica91]

Hi everybody,

I am a little improved. I wanted to share that.

I think the reason I am is that I just made a decision to be. It doesn't change everything - oh yes, I still have symptoms.

But I think I just made a decision to handle the symptoms the best I can.

I told my therapist my goal for this week is more emotional stability.

He says he will settle for some smiles. I think he is just trying not to pressure me. He rushed me a bit in therapy - I rushed me too and I think he just followed along - so its mostly my fault probably.

But this week I am slowing the pace of therapy for myself.

And I just decided I would cope better, no matter what it takes.

I am a very determined and resilient individual which is very good considering all I've been through. But I think we just have to make up our minds to do it sometimes.

Doesn't mean I'm perfect - no way! Not at all - but I am doing better at this time.

[Musica91]

I mention I am doing better - one thing I have been doing to monitor how I'm doing is taking the mental health quizzes and just saving the scores.

I especially have been doing this with the Depression Quiz since my depression was scaring even me!

Well, my first depression quiz was 56 - which was fairly severe.

My second was 71 - was is severe

And I just took it again today and it was 32. I am pretty happy that I am doing a little better. I am doing quite a few different things to try and cope.

[SmileHere]

YAY for doing better! May the good results continue!

What sort of things have you been doing to try and cope? It would be interesting to know...

[Thunder Bow]

It is good to see your healing. Your score will soon be -32 !

[Musica91]

Smile Here,

Hi. Thanks, and here are some things which have been helping me cope:

First, I was struggling with trust with my T. I starting writing affirmations like "Therapy is to help me, not to hurt me." "I trust my T." "My T. is trustworthy and safe" - and anyway, its sinking in! I am trusting him more which means therapy is better.

Second, I am doing Guided Imagery and Relaxation which is helping my anxiety (and depression, I think).

I do participate in music, so doing more of that, which is very uplifting.

And I decided to take some tests for my career in January (hard tests) so I am actively studying and keeping my brain active and busy.

And I forced myself to eat, and that is getting to be more normal again as well as decent sleep.

Oh - I'm also back to active journaling, and writing is a good tool for me.

One thing I want to add is exercise - I really need to, but just haven't been able to motivate myself yet.

Not everything is 100%, but it is much improved.
Musica91

[Musica91]

-32 will be all right! I'll take it.

Musica91

[Thunder Bow]

You are doing well, I hope you feel proud for doing what you done for yourself. It certainly makes me feel Proud.