How do you stop yourself from spiraling when things keep going wrong?

[Roonil_Wazlib]

Hi everyone,

I'm going through a period of time where things keep happening (out of my control) and I can feel myself sinking deeper and deeper. I have things to look forward to, I know that there are good things in life but too many things have happened recently and I'm struggling.

Have you ever felt like this? How did you/do you deal with times like these?

[MsPurple]

Hi Roonil

Unfortunatley I know what you mean and have experienced it myself. I have GAD with depression and sometimes I feel overwhelmed and me feeling overwhelmed (especially if prolonged) can make me feel down. Sometimes this can bring dark thoughts into my head. I then try remember all things I am looking forward to e.g. lunch with my friend tomorrow or the new star war movie etc. I try focus on that and it can help me get through.

Have you made a safety plan? I made one using the beyond blue app. It allows you to look at it on days you are really struggling. It helps you remember why you are here and it reminds you of all your happy memories. It also reminds you what has worked other times you have been distressed. I would consider making one. Mine is on my phone, and no one has seen it but myself, but it is a good reminder

When I am having those horrible days I just want to stay in bed. I try not leave my mind to wonder too much as this can make it worse for me. I try meditation (using an iphone app such as calm, headspace or smiling minds) reading a book, watching a funny tv show or watching a movie. I sometimes try be around people when I'm struggling as it can help me forget about the deep thoughts. Sometimes I struggle witht his, and ask my housemate if he wants to watch a movie. It makes me feel less alone, yet I know I am not obliged to thing and have a conversation.

One thing I should also suggest is if you are ever feeling suicidal or feeling so stressed you can't cope you can always call Lifeline on 13114 or Beyond blue on 1300224636. If you don't want to talk on the phone on the bottom right of this page you can talk to someone on the web. If you are under 25 headspace (youth mental health service) also have a chat online and people to talk to. https://eheadspace.org.au/

Hope some of this helps. I know it sucks going through this, but just like a storm it will pass.

MP

[blondguy]

Hi Roonil and great to speak to you again too!

I have also sunk deeper and deeper as you have and yes it hurts.....big time...it used to effect my sleep, my personal life and my career as well. I understand the pain you are going through.

Just as per my experience I didnt understand how good my GP was when I was having my dark issues. I have always seen my psychologist/psychiatrist back in the late '80's and through the '90's but my two GP's really have me the strength to see to the light at the end of the tunnel of darkness I was in.

I still see my GP every 4 weeks for a tune up after 30 years of clinical depression and anxiety.'

If I may ask.....do you have someone that you see on on regular basis? The reason for my question is simple. The more frequent the counseling the better our recovery from these horrible dark periods.

Roonil.....you have posted on my other thread from your heart. The forums are a rock solid place where you can post as your privacy is paramount here.

Its great to have you as part of the Beyond Blue Forum family Roonil 🙂

My kindest thoughts

Paul

[Roonil_Wazlib]

MP: thanks for your empathy and suggestions. This has just been an awful year and every time I get over one hurdle, another comes along and I'm just so exhausted. I have made a safety plan and i just looked at it, thanks for the reminder. I find that my mind wanders a lot too, even when I do things I normally like, I can't help but think about a million other things and just feel numb. Thank you very much, all the evidence show that I will be able to get past this but sometimes you just don't feel that way.

Paul: hello again and thanks for your words. I started seeing my psych last year after a horrible break up and did regularly for about 9 months as I realised I have so many issues. My mental health plan just ticked over while things started getting overwhelming so I saw her this week. I've made so much progress so she said I can just see her when I need to. Even my appointment this week, I found that i ran out of things to talk about because I'm aware of everything and even why...I think I just struggle with the how to work on it which I just have to keep trying. Thanks again for your kindness.

[blondguy]

Thanks Roonil for the super kind post.

You have done really well by having your psych stop the regular appointments and leaving bookings to your discretion!

You and I have been through a lot and working on the symptoms takes determination and heaps of time and practice. My main problem was the severity of my anxiety attacks...they were horrible. I saw a community mental health care worker every week for 7 months and he was a gem and gave me my life back.

I still see my GP every 4 weeks for a 'tune up' so my thinking stays on track if I become overwhelmed

I hope your week is good to you Roonil

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

[blondguy]

Hi Roonil and thankyou for the super kind post too!

You have done well by you psych leaving the appointment bookings to you...Thats great stuff

We have both been through a lot and it does make our mind tired for sure. How to work on the symptoms does take determination and lot of time and patience. I saw a community mental health worker every week for 7 months when my anxiety attacks were bad news. He was a gem and gave me my life back.

After seeing the MHW I have made it a habit to see my GP every 4 weeks for a 'tune up' so I am not so easily overwhelmed as well as keeping my thinking on track as well

I hope your week is good to you Roonil and good on you for being so proactive with your health 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul