Horrible week

[Whatsinaname]

Hi everyone,

I'm having a horrible week, so just thought I would post to see how everyone else is going?

I'm having a hard time getting out of the shame spiral this week, but trying to remember this is only temporary.

Anyway, hope others are well, happy to chat about anything.

[Whatsinaname]

Hi Petal,

Thanks again for posting, your positivity is absolutely infectious.

A lot of what you say seems to fit pretty well into the CBT stuff I've been reading. Can I ask if that is what you did to help yourself?

Thanks again

Whats

[Petal22]

Hi Whatsinaname,

I’m really happy that you find my positivity infectious..... positivity can totally change your life.... it’s a new way of seeing things, believing things thinking things and even speaking..... it really is within us all to see things in a positive light.... I see it as a choice... we can either choose to see things negatively or choose to see something positively..... it’s up to us...

it’s a way of growing to see something from another perspective... our whole worlds can change if we decide to change our mindsets and see things differently to what we usually see things like....

I learned a lot from my OCD therapy.... we were taught many wonderful things that I have been able to build on.... thought challenging, meditation, mindfulness it was such a wonderful thing my therapy..... it seemed daunting to do at first but I have obtained so much self growth and wisdom from it... that I can now share with others.....

I read a lot of positive affirmations, quotes and find inspiration in a lot of the things I read.....

😊 I hope you are going well

stay in touch

[uncut_gems]

Hi Whatsinaname,

That's so great that your wife and parents are solid and there for you– it's so important, I've had so many times where I thought "I literally cannot imagine how someone does this without an amazing family/partner." It makes things so much easier, but for that initial drive to feel better and address the underlying issue has to come from within you. It's clear that you have that and are really pursuing it, and I find it very moving.

There is absolutely no shame in using the drugs as a tool to help you get your anxiety under control as you build up other skills in your tool kit. To quote someone in another thread I was just responding to, it's about "the pill, the will, and the skill." Everything works in conjunction towards the goal of feeling more relaxed and at ease with yourself and with the world. Even though it's tempting to think of using chemicals as a kind of cheating or admission of defeat, they're just one tool at your disposal.

Good for you for starting meditation! Is it something you're new to or something you've done before? I downloaded the headspace app (not the organization lol) and paid for it because I figured if I spent money on it I'd be more likely to be diligent about it. What sort of routine do you do?

Warmly,

Gems

[Petal22]

Hi Whatsinaname,

just checking on on you I hope everything is going ok for you 😊

[uncut_gems]

Ditto!

[Whatsinaname]

Hi Gems and Petal,

Sorry for the long absence. I took some time away from here and most social media to just step back from the craziness a little.

Thanks so much for everything including checking in. I did think of you both quite regularly and fee rude for not taking the time jump on and say hello.

On a positive note I am in a much better place than I was. I think I can put most of it onto meditating everyday for over a month, I have missed a couple of days recently due to falling asleep too early haha.

To answer you're question about meditation Gems, I use Calm. I used Headspace for a while and really enjoyed it bit Calm was just much cheaper. To be honest headspace is better though.

I've been eyeing off a Muse, if you haven't see it it basically reads you brainwaves or something so can help you meditate by making storm noises when your mind gets away from you. I really want to try it but it is quite expensive.

Anyway thanks again you two you really have helped me see some light amongst the darkness. Not to say I dont struggle, probably still do every day, but it seems less debilitating

[Petal22]

Lovely to hear from you Whatsinaname.... I’m so happy that things are improving for you 😊 that’s great you have been meditating..... meditation is the best 😊

I’m so happy I’ve been able to help you in some way..... sometimes we just need another person to find us in the darkness and lead us back to the light 😊

Im always here if you want to chat.... always remember you are never alone..

Well done with your progress and keep pushing forward 😊

[uncut_gems]

Hey Whatsinaname,

Great to hear from you! I was delighted to see that this thread hopped back to the top of my little queue. Echoing Petal, I'm so glad that it sounds like mostly good news and improvement on your end. There's no need to apologize or feel bad for going away for a bit– one of my favorite things about the forums is you can just pick things up again when you feel like it.

How are your son and your partner? Did you ever opt to make an appointment with one of the psychiatrists? In any case, so good that meditation has helped you. It sounds like you've been very disciplined. I also use Headspace, but I've fallen off a bit as I've gotten more stressed. I will re-dedicate myself to it.

Best,

Gems

[Whatsinaname]

My wife and son are amazing. I'm trying to improve my gratitude and they are the main recipients. Even just having him cuddle me when I get home from work can bring my back from some heavy times.

I've been a little hit and miss with meditating lately and I need to rededicate myself too as I truly believe it was a huge part of being calmer.

Good example is I was stalking a Facebook page and accidently sent a friend request. Anxiety went through the roof but now my mind seems to be getting better at understanding that is really isn't the end of the world.

I haven't talked to a psych yet but really so plan to. After watching a video about OCD thoughts it really hit home.

How has you both been?

[Petal22]

Hi Whatsinaname,

Thats fantastic you are practicing gratitude 😊 beautiful...... your family sound lovely..

Meditation is great..... I believe it got me over the line..

I believe we become more aware when we meditate we learn to be watches of our thoughts and realise we arnt our thoughts....

that’s great your thinking is improving in regards to realising if we do something it isn’t the end of the world...... I learned in my therapy how to challenge my thoughts it was really useful 😊

If it is OCD that you have remember you CAN overcome it you just need to be shown how...

ive been good thanks 😊

keep up the great work and I’m here if you ever want to chat 😊