COPING STRATEGIES

[startingnew]

hi everyone

so ive only been on these forums for about 2 months now and have come to realise alot of people are after coping strategies.

i have quite alot of coping strategies- not all of them work on me but i thought id share what i have and what i think of as it goes along and maybe itll help others.

please feel free to add your own coping strategies too 🙂 the more the better 🙂

[startingnew]

Hi guys

just a reminder to practice some of these things even when your anxiety isnt high that way youll know what to do when the time comes around 🙂

has anyone got any other coping strategies to use and that you find that works for you?

[Guest_1055]

Wow Starting new, you certainly have posted a lot of strategies. It must have taken you an awfully long time to actually do that. You certainly are one committed and diligent person. I have started to read from the beginning and have decided to pick the ones that pop out to me. I like the toolbox one so far....

Anyway one thing I do when I feel some kind of anxiety in social situations and if it is possible to do it at the time. Is sit down with the toddlers and play whatever game they are playing. I have done that a lot in extended family get togethers. Like play with lego, serve plastic cake on a plastic plate to a little one or politely thank them when they serve me. Drive little cars on a pretend road. Blow bubbles out in the sunshine and play with play dough.

Shell xx

[Guest_1055]

This helps to get your thoughts onto other things. More simple things really. The little ones sometimes chatter in an uncomplicated sort of way. Helps get your eyes of yourself and how you feel. Plus they like you being interested in there play.

[startingnew]

Every time I find a nrw strategy whether it works for me or not i share it.

It might just help someone else.

My time and effort doesn't compare to how it makes me feel to know i could be helping someone get through an anxiety attack. I like helping people and if this is a way to help then ill keep at it as much as i can

Those are some great strategies youve got there too

[Guest_1055]

Ah what a kind and beautiful heart you have. You are a treasure for sure.

Shell xx

[Pysis]

Good thread star.😄

[startingnew]

5,4,3,2,1 Exercises
These are exercises in noticing what is around us:
Sight: Look around you and name as you look at 5 different objects (variation: 5 blue/black/green objects), then do the same for 4 of those 5 objects, 3 of those 5 objects, etc.
Sight & Touch: Look at, name and touch 5 different objects, noticing their texture, temperature, mass and weight as you do so. Then do the same for 4 of those objects, 3 of those objects, etc.
Sight, Touch and Smell/Taste: Look at (in a garden or a kitchen), name, taste and smell 5 different objects, noticing their colours, texture, taste and aroma. Then do the same for 4 of those objects, 3, 2, and 1.
Hearing: Close your eyes and listen for 5 different sounds. Then 4, 3, 2, and 1.

[Cesca1557]

cant believe how many incredible techniques you have on here! will go through and use various ones and find out which ones work best for me
you are a superstar! and do so much for everyone
sending big hugs

[startingnew]

im glad you like them Nath and Cesca

remember not all of them will work for you, so be open to trying new ones and dont be disheartened if the first one doesnt work

also to get the full effects of this, you have to practice even when your not anxious that way when you need them you know how to use them as well

[criss]

Hi these are all quite good starting new.

I have practiced these over the years not nearly often enough as i should.

I have suffered a recent relapse of gambling triggered by uncomfortable and confusing thoughts.

One of your comments ran so true.

Walk slow, talk slow, think slow I think it was. And allowing myself to do nothing.

I have forgotten how to do this. I have developed an anxiety when I have nothing to do. Theoretically there is many things I do but somehow with my lifes ambitions, fears of letting go and being frighten me lkately.

Allowing myself to be home, hang out get messy not worry about what i should be doing has caused real feelings to arise today that i am sitting with tonight.

Recovery after relapse is at hand and ever a journey. Its good to hear discussion on coping and moving forward. Not ruminating as I often have in the past.

🙂