How Do You Make It Through?

[JJ]

Started thinking about thish when I realized how often we need help just making it through right now. Some way to hold on and get to that better place later.

I often tell people to exercise-whatever kind you like and enjoy because you aren't likely to really do it unless you like it. For some that is the gym. For me it's hiking. I suspect I'd love running but injury and age have ruled that out. Many bike. Dancing can be great too. Whatever works for you is good. Just keep an eye on health and safety too. But exercise has been proven to help reset brain chemistry and will create a more positive outlook. Also helps you relax as it loosens muscles tight from stress which also affects mood.

When I can't exercise I put on my noise cancelling headphones and sink into music. Sometimes music to match my mood at first but my playlist also has a lot of upbeat positive music and it eventually takes me to a different place. Or makes me realize how far I have really come. Music is powerful. Sometimes I also have to play solitaire or something till my mind is calmer and more organized as I listen. Whatever works for you

At other times I have turned to art -I lose the world when I am immersed in creating. Something happens I can't explain. Like zoning out to a totally different place. Time loses all meaning and nothing matters but what I am doing. Writing is a little like that for me too. It is maki9ng music for some. But whatever it is for you it can get you through. I always come out the other side calmer and happier

Many times coming here and helping others also helps me. Changes my focus and perspective. Sometimes I just can't do it-but often it really makes a difference and I hope helps others as well.

One thing I don't do is self medicate with drugs, alcohol or food. Though I have tried them in the past. Especially the last one. In the end all betray you and leave you in a worse place in your life as well as mentally and physically than you were before. They don't leave you more able to cope with difficult realities but rather more vulnerable to the pain and despair of those realities.

So what do you do? What works for you -positive things-to get you past that dark time or the doubts and fears that assail us all?

Johnny

[Guest SaleneAlexis]

I blast music and go talk to friends online. If I am down, they always have a way of picking me up!

Stephanie

[Guest Maria_B]

.. First I do unhealthy things, like skip a day of eating, when I'm really upset, but usually its playing mah instruments (Don't ever diss a trombone. They are magical), dancing (I'm a bit of a dirty dancer >.>) or my KITTIES. I R HAS LOVES OF MY KITTERS (Translation: I enjoy the company of my cats).

[Guest Holly S]

In order of how much better I feel:

Sleep>Meditating>Writing>Music>Posting here>Reading>Eating ice cream>Walking the dog>Playing playstation games>Being at school

And with that I'm going to have some ice cream.

Hugs,

Holly

[Guest Risu]

.When things are extremely bad, dangerously bad, I try to sleep and if that doesn't work anything to take me out of my thoughts but for me it really needs to hold my attention. Gaming, music, movies, Art, writing, all things I do. Unfortunately eatting is not on my list as I am dieting and when I'm depressed my stomach is more or less a bottomless pit.

Dysphoria depression is the worst. All I can say is that generally, it's worth it to hold on. It may not feel that way for some time but it usually does get better.

[Guest rita63]

Thanks for this post cause I came in here wondering just that.

I read a few posts and responded to some, put on some soup stock, read this post, and put on some music. Peace is returning, thank you again.

hugs rita

[Guest Mia J]

Risu - I have found that sleeping seldom works for me. It usually just makes me more depressed.

Getting out and doing something active is always the best thing for me. I love to go out around where I live and hike or go to state rec areas and hike and take pictures. It refreshes my heart to see the abundance of life and the wonders around me.

Another thing is to get out around people not get stuck into that isolation trap that so many of us do. One of the things I value most is being a Docent at the zoo and to be able to develop and give presentations on some of the most important things to me --- Wildlife and conservation.

In the winter we just can't get out enough so I try to exercise at least five to six days a week. We have an elliptical, a stationary bike/cross trainer and some other thingy that shakes the heck out of you but really takes care of restless leg syndrome. We don't hide these in the basement but have them right in our great room so we can watch TV or even read when using them so it does not become boring.

But there are times with even all of this that I will slip into depression and just want to become a recluse away from all else in the world. I think most of us have those times and we just need to get Johnny's positive attitude and climb out of that pit and get active in ways that energize us.

Mia

[Guest Lacey Lynne]

.. First I do unhealthy things, like skip a day of eating, when I'm really upset, but usually its playing mah instruments (Don't ever diss a trombone. They are magical), dancing (I'm a bit of a dirty dancer >.>) or my KITTIES. I R HAS LOVES OF MY KITTERS (Translation: I enjoy the company of my cats).

Our Maria is AWESOME! Reading her posts makes my day. Maria, ROCK ON, Aussie Style!

Johnny:

One day at a time, man; one day at a time. We all wanna bag it sometimes, don't we? One day at a time.

Peace Lacey

[Guest Emilly]

I really find release through writing usually I write stories,if I'm really down I will go write graffiti

[Reagen]

Johnny I love you post!

Lets see I love music too, Shopping and walking or yoga. That usually does it for me. If not my family's love and understanding will be there for me and that always helps. I also like coming here to LP. Everyone here has been awesome and it seem get each other because everyone here is dealing with similar type of issues. Another thing is I started keeping a daily journal or diary. It helps just to get everything out and look back on it later and be able to understand my own feelings.

Rea

[Guest Svenna]

When all hope is lost, I turn to my kitties...

Works every time, once I remember it is an option..

There is real medicine in a PURRRrrrrrr!!!

Svenna

[Guest Lonewolf13]

Hiking sounds like a great way to help you 'escape', being outside within nature and getting exercise at the same time. Since I cant do that then I guess Id say music is something I use to help me 'forget', its something you can get lost in. Art also, has been a great help to me, again you can get completely lost in it and it requires all of your concerntration. Being around nature always make me feel at peace, the wild is much more accepting then being around most humans!