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When Coping isn't Coping Anymore

Since September, I've been busy with business- board meetings, conference calls, and presentations- which I am satisfied with being a part of these activities. However, I feel like I am powered on overload right now, and its not a good feeling.

Right now I have a lot on my mind. Lately, I sleep too much, forget too often, and lack motivation to carry out house chores- I force myself to do them every few of days. The last couple of days I took the maximum dose of anxiety medication that was prescribed by my doctor, it helped a little bit. I wrote in my journal and read a little to relieve racing thoughts, tension and overwhelmed-feeling, but I still felt uneasy. I've used most of my coping skills- writing, reading, listening to music and cleaning, now I need to talk to someone about this, because I do not understand what is happening to me?!- I feel like I am gradually breaking down sometimes, while other times I am forcing myself to do what I need to do, and I do get a lot accomplished. I have a lot to think about- my family, finances and LIFE in general! I am not sure if this is mental health related and this is the result of me functioning under a lot of stress? I will seek out my therapist either today or tomorrow.

How do you cope with stress and/or anxiety?

Comments

prestonc said…
Hi Ashley, this is Preston. I can barely keep my room clean - I find it very challenging and hard to do, sadly. My mind races and I feel as though I am in pain, so often - so. I wish I could give you better news about finding a way to cope with it - whether it be a hobby or a medication, though in truth, I wonder the same question you do. How to make it stop. It is extremely hard for me to find enjoyment in anything, I feel that is sad for anyone.

I do want to mention, I guess one thing that helps somewhat is I find comfort in playing a video game. Lately I have been experiencing the game (or visual book as I call it) Skyrim.

I feel like not only am I nuts, but that a large majority of this world is nuts - just that they are not aware of their problems.

But the pain and the lack of comfort are such key things. What I have learned is that it is not the schizophrenic thought, it is not thinking weird things, etc. - it is finding peace and comfort - that is what the cure to most mental illnesses is, imo - finding peace and comfort - calming the mind.

It is weird for me, sometimes I feel peace but a lot of the time I feel pain.

If I think of anything that may help with finding calmness I will post back.

Just know that you are not alone.

Your Friend,
Preston
Ashley Smith said…
Hi Preston,

Thank you for reaching out to me during one of my difficult moments. I think this is a coping skill- sharing concerns with peers and writing- for me.

I can relate to you in that it is difficult to maintain a clean room- this is an ongoing problem for me. And I do not find time to clean it till my mood gets better.

I also play Scrabble online to help me relax and to refocus on concerns in my life. I think the practice works because I can concentrate on the computer game and escape from life's issues.

Warm regards,

Ashley Smih

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