What little things helped you heal?

[exhaustedpigeon101]

The last 18m or so have involved huge life changes, and whilst I thought I was coping with it quite well, apparently I am not.

I plan to go into work on Wednesday and have a conversation with my manager about not being there for a while. For how long, right now I do not know but I seriously need to sort myself out. I am at what feels like rock bottom.

what small things did you do to help yourself / make yourself feel better.

I want to take as little time off as possible, but also recognise that right now I have to put myself first.

Is work a good place for you? Do you find that work adds to your stress or helps?

@JujujudoIt was, it was a good distraction and I enjoy my job but it is high pressure and stressful at times. I also ended up having a short relationship with someone I work with closely (yes I know stupid) which has now ended and is of course contributing to the stress / mental health problems

Having emdr therapy has been life changing for me. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough, especially for healing from trauma.

@ItsthelastsongThank you I will look into it / discuss with my GP

Sorry you’re having a tough time over the last couple of years.Good for you for acknowledging that you need some time to heal.

I found learning to be compassionate to myself made a massive difference- literally just being kind and nurturing to myself. Take small steps each day to heal, notice the small things, making healthy choices, surround yourself with people who love you and make you feel good.

Medication, therapy, diet, exercise, sleep all help. Talk to your GP about what options could help you and what support is available. There will always be stresses in life but try and find ways to make your life easier. Are there things you can stop doing or step away from for a while? Who can help you?

If you’ve had trauma try slowing your pace of life and do gentle things that nurture your body and mind. A few small things through the day. If it was your best friend going through what you have been through and are dealing with now would you say to them?

Know that difficult moments pass.

Good luck on your healing journey. Be kind to yourself.

@BSky4Yes, I think the recognition of my spiral is the first step. I am trying to be kind to myself and remind myself that the last few years have been tough both personally and in my career which although is thriving, is challenging too. Thankfully I have a couple of really good friends to remind me how well I’m doing.

I do exercise regularly, whether that’s a long walk or going for a run and it does really help. My diet has been a shit show since my ex left so I’m really going to try and make that a priority. I plan to see the GP at the end of the week to sign me off work for longer than I can self certify for, and go back on the medication if they will allow.

in terms of what I’d tell my best friend I find that I’m able to give really good advice but unable to take it myself haha!

thank you for your comment. I’m sure this will pass in time, and with some positive steps forward that I can do for myself

Sounds like you’ve made some really good steps already. I hope your conversation with GP and employer goes well. Your work might have an employee assistance programme which could include counselling if you think that might help. I’m sure your GP can advise around therapy options too.

Its always easier to give advice rather then take it isn’t it 😂 🥴 But its good to counter any critical voices in your head with what advice you’d give a friend. I know I’m harder on myself than I ever could be to someone else.

I do think going back to basics can really help - fab that you’re already exercising and find that helpful. Just make some small steps with your diet each day - bit more veg/fruit etc but less chocolate (but some?!) 😊

I find yoga helpful (as well as swimming/running) - helps to stretch out the stress and tension.

I also really like essential oils so get some nice candles in and have a nightly shower with lovely shower gel & body lotion. Sounds so trite but it really relaxes me!

Basically do lots and lots of things that you like doing and make you feel good. Combine it with therapy & meds if needed. ☺️

Work helps me heal and declarations of good words.

Thank you all for your help. I have been signed off work for another 3 weeks (I’ve already been off a week) and been given medication to go back on. I’ve spoken to a counsellor who is going to arrange therapy for me too.
I feel a little relieved and that this is progress but I’m aware I still have a way to go until I’m feeling better.

That all sounds really positive - well done. I’m
glad you feel a bit better knowing you’ve got some time and space to heal. I hope you start to feel a bit stronger soon and can find some peace with some of the difficult things you’ve had going on.

Hopefully you find some small things each day that help smile /feel good about yourself. Take care.