First Steps

I started DBT Therapy with a group 4 weeks ago, so far I haven't implemented any of the work at home, I am ashamed to admit this as the whole reason I went is to get better at managing my mindfulness and learn new coping mechanisms. I've also fallen back into my Maladaptive Daydreaming habits and don't know where to start helping myself again, I felt ashamed of it for awhile but writing this out has made me feel a littke better. I was sent home from DBT with a work list and homework, I have already completed the homework and am going to catch up on the rest.

I have a small list of things that I need to accomplish:
- Spending less time on my phone
- Stop watching short form videos as often
- Get outside and into the sunshine
- Stop hiding in my room
- Talk to my family
- Always take my meds
- Brush teeth daily

I think this list of tasks is overwhelming but accomplishable, I'm aware that I never wanted help and that I currently feel like doing nothing to helo myself but I knkw I have family who love me and I want to get better for them, I love them so much and want nothing more to not lose them due to my own behaviours and mental health issues. Its the one thing thats kept me going, so I want to get better for them.

Hi sorry you're struggling with this. I struggle with self care, leaving the house, isolating, and spending too much time on phone/laptop. I don't have family of my own but I belong to one (parents, siblings, etc.) and I share the feeling of wanting to get better for them. Most of all I want to get better for myself. Sometimes I spend days completely alone having multiple conversations with people outloud alone. Thank you for sharing your post.

I’m sure this will resonate with many people on here, I know it does with me. I know this feeling well, @Shaylle.

It’s good that you’ve taken the time to write about your feelings. This in itself is an important step. I used to keep my list of things to achieve for the day short and simple. Then I would focus on just completing one to begin with, and tell myself I’d worry about the rest after that. Usually, after completing one, e.g. brushing my teeth, I’d start to feel like I could tackle the next one. It sort of gave me the mental and physical momentum.

I still take this approach on many days now, if I start to feel overwhelmed again.

Keep going. Things will improve.

Jeff.