I’m new here & want to connect with others

[dudewheresmypaddle]

I suffer from depression, anxiety, BPD & PTSD. I’ve never found admissions to Psychiatric facilities helpful. I need to learn how to cope better with emotions & have a management plan, so I don’t fall down the dark hole, continually. I’ve made changes to diet, who I hang with, stay away from negativity, be my greatest fan & do daily things that bring me joy. I’m sure I’ll find more that will help me. Thank you for reading my story. 

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear dudewheresmypaddle,

A warm welcome to our forums,

It sounds like you’re doing everything you can to move forward into wellness…

I also have, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and a couple more mental health diagnosis’s..

My psychologist told me once that it’s important to know your triggers, that triggers me into a PTSD downer….and to try hard to stay away from them…easier said that done though…also she told me, that if I heard something that triggered me, that I should asap listen to something pleasant that I like, same with seeing something triggering…to find something pleasant to look at and concentrate only on that item….

Its important to ground ourselves and distract those triggered thoughts, feelings and emotions as quickly as we can….I have a few grounding boxes I made and have with me around my home and in my car…they contain things like, something that I can feel, listen to, something to look at that I like…(photos of my family)..some lollies I like for my taste sensation and also something that has a lovely calming scent….They do seem to help me most times…

If you’re up to it and feel you would like to make yourself a few grounding boxes/packets, we have a thread titled…”Grounding what is it and how do we do it”..you can search the title in the search bar..

I do hope I have been of some help for you…Please Dear dudewheresmypaddle, talk here anytime you feel up to it, we are here to help support you as best we can..

My kindest thoughts with my care..

Grandy..

If you’re  interested in making your own grounding box, 

[Mark Z.]

Hi dudewheresmypaddle,

Welcome to the forum! I'm really glad you've decided to share your story with us.

It sounds like you've been through a tough time, and for that, I'm truly sorry. But look at you making strides and showing life who's boss! Your effort and progress, that's something really special. It's also something that inspires and encourages all of us around here.

If you feel up to it, we'd love to hear more about how you've tackled your difficulties and made this fantastic progress. Your journey could light the way for someone else in a similar boat.

And just so you know, we're here for you too. Do not hesitate if you need our help or suggestions.

So glad to have you here with us.

Take care,
Mark