[archipelago]

What kinds of therapies have felt like they helped? It doesn't matter the exact name but more what they were like or what a treatment that wasn't just meds was like that was helpful?

[Blue_Bird]

I personally enjoy arts and crafts and the times I've been inpatient they always had some form of art therapy which is really nice and takes your mind off things.

I have a regular therapist at the clinic I go to to see my pdoc. I'm pretty sure it's just standard talk therapy and some CBT.

I also attend a group at the clinic once or twice a week, it's just a few of us and a therapist there runs it. We talk about things going on in our lives and offer support if needed, etc. Then for the rest of the time we just play cards or color or something like that.

[archipelago]

It sounds like a range of things have helped. Have you ever benefited from writing, either like a creative writing type group or journaling?

[Blue_Bird]

Originally Posted by archipelago

It sounds like a range of things have helped. Have you ever benefited from writing, either like a creative writing type group or journaling?

Yes, I love journaling. It's nice to get everything out on paper, and it's cool to look back and see how much progress has been made or what's been difficult.

[insilence]

visual symbology both physical and thought can throw them off temporarly
draw a picture of what you think they look like
or think about a sour food.
think/visualize nerves pulling away from the sound or visuals.

[avlady]

I'e tried several things, joining a moms group. journaling, but not so much of that now. I love music, i'm lost without it, i need the radio on all day, except when i'm trying to play the piano. reading once in a while, meds do help soo much. i wish i could learn more about computers i'm not good at them. i did take 1 year to finish my associates degree in arts which took everything out of me.

[cool09]

Medication is the only thing that is going to help me. I just started outpatient treatment at University of Penn and started Geodon. Had several very good days with no irritability. I have to improve, I can not take this anymore, I'm hopeless. All activities except swimming do nothing to help my moods and focus. I feel very focused, relaxed after I swim. I got more done over the last three days than the last two mths (w/o feeling drained) thanks to Geodon. This disorder truly makes me feel like Jekyll and Hyde and no treatment has helped since 1986. I'd like more energy and concentration to practice guitar.

i wish i could learn more about computers i'm not good at them

I'm sure there are many youtube tutorials that could help you with whatever you want. Main things are to have good Anti-Spyware software, learn how to defragment hard drive, clean Registry, install good Media players and codecs, update drivers, tweak display settings, learn how to display system information, etc. Sourceforge, Videohelp sites can help with many audio/video information. Many good, free PC software are available online, ie. Spybot, Spywareblaster, VLC Player, image and video editors.

[avlady]

Thanks for the info!!!

[archipelago]

I love the effects of music too. It is great for mood stuff. I recently found out that you can get access to lots of free music by streaming, which can also be downloaded, either computer or smart phone. There are radio stations sorta, some that you can create by typing in songs you like and then are matched. That is done by Pandora, which is free with ads. Also there is Spotify, but I have a little bit more trouble figuring that one out. I think there are others too that even go by mood.

I love writing, especially journaling. I can't imagine life without it. I also love water, so could see how swimming would be great. I love the ocean but our water isn't warm enough. Still I go at low tides to see all the creatures and it is as if I'm underwater because I can see things that usually are covered by the surf.

I have a regular therapist. So that would be talk therapy which I find really helpful for me.

When I was in the ward a couple of years ago, they had animal therapy on Tuesdays in that hospital. I found that to be SO very helpful. The pets I used to have were a big part of me staying sane a few years back. Nothing like the unconditional love of a pet to get you through.

[jaynedough]

I don't have much to add. Listening to music. Drawing. Photography (my T has been giving me "assignments"). Writing in journal, as well as writing poetry. One thing I've found is that when I tell my counselor something that's really bothering me, it's like it washes the thought clean. I love my car and have found it relaxing to drive around with the seat warmer turned on, taking pix. My dog is usually by my side. Focusing on her and petting her is grounding for me. I guess most of this isn't "officially" therapy, but have been helpful. Of course, PC has been really helpful.