Tell me your self-help that works....

[Queenofknickers]

I already take ADs and have weekly psychotherapy. However I still struggle and wanted to know what additional tips you have that work - fish oil? I have restricted mobility (can't do exercise classes etc) due to spinal degeneration plus I work 7-7 most days in a stressful job (and commute). What can I do to help myself? Just want to hide in bed.

[KissesBreakingWave]

I found self-study of CBT a great help - www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/self-help-therapies.aspx is a good resource. Did it in a thoroughly disorganised, flitting-about fashion, which worked for me.

See if you can't get some professional advice on means of getting some exercise that's compatible with your spinal condition. I go dancing two or three times a week, and that helped enormously.

Finally, and this one is going to seem more than a bit bizarre, I'm working through Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.

[Miopiccolotopolino]

Kisses, I started readin Meditations when I hit a rough patch as a teenager ( I know even weirder . The problem I had with it was that I found the ideas lovely but very difficult to live or realise in rl. In a way some of the ideals MA wrote about became the ultimate goal that I could never reach and made me feel even more useless and incapable iyswim. Also, I found that with ideas like that I was always (and still am) very much the odd one out, especially when dealing with manipulative or bitchy people.

[Miopiccolotopolino]

Sorry Op,that you are experiencing these difficulties. Unfortunately I haven't got anything wise to say but will read with interest what more experienced mnetters will suggest.

I did cbt with the nhs when I was pregnant and have to say that although I didn't do it properly (didn't do the set homework at times) I still don't feel as anxious as I used to before.

Wishing you all the best op.

[Miopiccolotopolino]

Queen, are you able to take some sick leave in order to relax and recuperate? It sounds like you need some downtime and pamper yourself a bit if possible. Is there any tailored exercise you could do? How about Pilates? Also cranial sacral therapy is supposed to be good for back problems and general wellbeing ( even for depression). I really hope you feel better soon!