what are some long-term self-care strats?

[moody-_ahhhhh]

taking breaks and ambient noise doesn't seem to cut it anymore, i need something else because i still feel so moody even with my unproductive hobbies (videos games and youtube)

[moody-_ahhhhh]

will make this brief as its a contextual post for future posts in different forums, M19 first year uni student that's unfortunately had a lot of things go against me, i just want to be happy but that appears to be a heavy ask

[moody-_ahhhhh]

i am in a safe environment and am not at risk of an actual suicide but it doesn't stop those thoughts from revolving around me, i didnt think that first semester of uni would be so draining but with compulsory subjects and personal circumstances such as family illness it unfortunately is the case. ive spent the past 4 months deliberating over my friends and 'friends' from high school, differentiating the two and committing to that decision has never felt more difficult. i dont feel strong, i feel awfully weak i question how i managed to thrive through social isolation except i didnt thrive i feel i barely made it,

i would do anything for my ill family member to be healthy right now: not from a month long treatment plan. im sick of being at home and painfully dreading my uni results and its the worst time of year to get hayfever. i wish i was immune to illness but that's unlikely, and the other way to be immune to pain is a permanent solution, i feel i have lost my purpose while at home. waking up for a 8:30am exam in the freezing cold three times this month was the worst experience yet

it feels like the only thing that'd make me happy is status, a special award, a scholarship or a club committee position. i know it shouldnt be the be all or end all but i feel like its the only thing that will give me a sense of purpose, but my inability to go out in the interest of not getting more ill prevents that from happening. even then its uni break no one is recruiting at the moment and i just have a month to waste

[TrueSeeker]

Hello and welcome

I can understand how dealing with mental health illness can be very exhausting, painful, confusing, frustrating
and tiring. I strongly believe that it can be all fixed when we keep going and trying all different strategies till we find the ones that work for us. To me it's about trial and error, talking to others, reading up information. The most important thing is to keep trying. I think it's great that you joined this forum as other people's views and stories can help a lot as much as you sharing your stories.

I usually get moody when I'm not relaxed or when I'm confused. I like walking or any gentle physical activity, it helps me to relax so I can face my thoughts while doing it and make sense out of it.

As much as hobbies might sound "unproductive", I believe that they are very important as they can provide relaxation, joy, energy and motivation, all of them are needed for us to have drive and strength to do more productive things.

Welcome again, I'm looking forward to your updates, stories, approaches and views
Please take care and be nice to yourself

[moody-_ahhhhh]

do u have recommendations for sources to read up info, love your insight and thanks for the warm welcome 🙂

[moody-_ahhhhh]

this might not be the best forum to post this but as ive been physicall and mentally unwell lately ive struggled to attribute my purpose in life, ideally i would be out and about volunteering or hanging out with my friends but thats not very feasible at home.

im lost and would like ideas to be back on track this uni break.

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear Moody-_ahhhhh,

A warm welcome to the forums,

I think writing in a journal when your moody may help, as well as writing out how you’re feeling try also to try to remember what you were doing at that particular time….to see if you can work out what’s causing these moods….

Singing along with a happy song might help by distracting moody thoughts by the words and beat of the music…

If I feel moody or over anxious at bed time I listen to Sleep Stories on YouTube…that way I drift to sleep while listening to a gentle voice talking about a peaceful scenereo….Like Trueseeker has said…it’s about trail and error to find what works best for you…

Thinking of you with kind and caring thoughts…

Grandy..

[quirkywords]

Moody

welcome to the forums.

This is a supportive place .

 I congratulate you for studying at university.

I think if you have been unwell a break would be healthy for you.

Maybe eating well and exercising daily may help.

Do you enjoy any hobbies or sport or art or writing.

[TrueSeeker]

There is a lot of useful information here. I also like copyright and cost free all legit from California University: You can choose to be happy by Dr Stevens. It's not perfect but it can be very helpful.

[moody-_ahhhhh]

i like ur ideas, unfortunately the weather has been awful lately and i dont have the space for other exercise at home (albeit id definitely benefit from stretching), i do have hobbies but they dont feel 'productive' as they dont enhance my resume