Need some healthy mechanisms tonight

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Going through a tough time at the moment for a multitude of reasons and mental health is lower than it's ever been. Have been drinking a lot of wine and vaping to cope which obviously is not a healthy coping mechanism and is making me feel worse and more anxious/guilty. Haven't bought a bottle of wine tonight but feeling so low and need something to help distract me tonight, trying to avoid the anxiety inducing but numbing usual methods. Any tips?

I’m sorry you’re feeling so low. I’m no expert in terms of drinking and vaping but when I feel low or anxious, I usually put comedies on. It’s easy watching and sometimes even manages to make me laugh. My favourites are Peter Kay and Michael McIntyre stand up and then I love Miranda and old things like Are You Being Served.

I also sometimes play games on my phone too which can be distracting. Another thing is to try and just take it moment by moment rather than thinking of the long night ahead etc. Do you have any friends or family you can talk to to break the night up? Well done for not buying the wine too. It will be better to wake up tomorrow without having had a drink.

Swnding virtual hugs.🤗

Sorry you are feeling this way. Well done for not buying the bottle of wine tonight. Things you can do tonight: have a bath/pamper session, read a book, watch a film/tv, do some mindfulness (there is an app could headspace you could try), do some exercise (look up some workout videos on YouTube). In the long run though it sounds like you would benefit from talking to someone. Might be worth booking in to see your GP if you haven’t already.

Good luck - have you seen the alcohol support topic here? There’s a couple of great long running threads.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/alcohol_support

I use YouTube for videos of puppies and kittens when I’m anxious. Maybe something similar.

When you look back on tonight, tomorrow morning, what do you want it to look like?

Create that. Like creating an act for the theatre. Doesn't matter of it's all fake, and acting.

Well done. I just went for a walk. Just around local streets so was safe. Walking really helps calm my head. Get s good stride on. I also then don't want my addiction (food) si much as I feel healthier if you see what I mean?

Wow well done for recognising that OP. I need to take a leaf out of your book. Can you just go to bed? I find it hard to get out once I’m in and that might be a benefit to you tonight 😄

Thank you all for your kind words. Really does mean a lot to me. I can feel myself falling into the same patterns that I saw growing up so am conscious of it - I've always been the 'resilient' one who isn't prone to addiction but am conscious that at the ripe old age of 32 that it might be catching up to me! Unfortunately I don't feel able to talk to family much as they're going through the mill with what's happening and don't want to burden them more but I think will think about therapy and the GP.

I think for tonight I will have a bath and get to bed, just feel so disappointed in myself and shameful. I know it's not heroin but I thought I was stronger than this

Well done for noticing, reflecting and changing.

A bath is a good idea, and you could do some doodling, drawing or craft to keep your hands busy.

Try to focus on feeling pleased for choosing a different option, rather than giving yourself a hard time.