What do you "use" to escape?

[Paul]

Hi All,

Some of us use alcohol, drugs and sex to escape painful emotions or to delay feeling them or even to try to make them go away.

Do you use anything (not asking you to blurt about illicit substance use in open forum if you don't want to) to escape? Does it work?

Paul

[Ladyhawke]

Hi Paul. Yes, I often feel the need to "escape" especially when depression hits the floor. I usually manage to escape using activities that won't cause me any further distress - either physical or psychological. 

I tend to gravitate toward humour: books, movies, writing; anything in an attempt to lift allow some release for a while.

However, I do understand what you're referring and my honest answer is "yes" - however, I tend to weigh the pros and cons and am always very, very careful.

LH

[Ladyhawke]

Hi again Paul. 

​I just re-read my reply and I realise how vague sounds. Obviously, it's inappropriate for me to mention specific behaviours, however, you did mention a few in your post and yes, some that you mentioned do help me to "escape" when I am at the end of my tether.

LH

[Oopsadaizey]

I have pets which have provided great solace to me - they are always glad to see me, affectionate, and just like hanging out with me.

[Paul]

Thanks for your candour Ladyhawke. a hobby or some meaningful activities are great if the black fog allows one to feel like actually doing something.

xx

P

[Paul]

Hey Oopsadaizey,

I hear you about pets. My Maggie moggy keeps me company if i'm in the depths of hell. Other times she's a great source of laughs and interest with her funny little cat habits.

Stay well

Paul

[Gruffudd]

Audio books and deep fried food.

With summer approaching I rather like a walk through a remote place in the middle of a barmy night. 

[DGM80]

Hey Paul,

I use both negative and positive ways to escape from my anxiety/depression. Positives would be running 4-5 days a week great way to clear the mind and stay fit, I also like long walks if Ive been running too much! I'm lucky enough to live next to the beach in summer waking up and throwing myself in the ocean for a swim is probably the best way to awaken my senses and rid any negative/depressed thoughts I wake up with. Negatives would definitely be my drinking I often use it way too much to escape and also gambling, its a great way to isolate yourself from social situations at the pub if your not feeling like talking to anyone. Negatives unfortunately out weigh the positives at the moment 😕

Dave.

[Gruffudd]

Hi Dave,

Welcome... Sorry to hear the negatives are taking over a bit. What works to balance things out for you? Summer is happening so it might just be time for that swim. I don't live near the beach but have a lake nearby that is rather good to go and jump into, and getting out into the open does help clear my mind. Sometimes I find my more isolating behaviours are actually good for me when I get the balance right and don't overdo them, do you find that? I guess the trick is in catching myself before it goes too far. 

Rob.