Topic Tuesday - now open: Stepping off the distress seesaw

[CherryBomb]

I found some really interestesting points in the video in the initial post:

1.) It's important to allow ourself some space to sit with unpleasant emotions - this is part of processing and moving through emotions.

2.) Be mindful of not falling into the 'happyness' trap - where we can set up an unrealistic expectation to be happy all the time - also know as putting up a front. Remember it's also ok to be vulnerable and to experience sadness and grief. Unpleasant emotions are not necessarily a bad thing.

3.)  (this wasn't in the video) Know that all feelings pass. Both pleasant and unpleasant emotions. When feeling sadness, remember it will pass (eventually). Mindfulness can help with this.

[Former-Member]

@SCORPIONthanks for your comments. 

Do you have something nice you can do for yourself in coming days?  Even with sadness lingering?

[Former-Member]

Great points, @CherryBomb.

I particularly like the first point ... allowing the uncomfortable (some say negative) feelings to be there.  As unpleasant as they seem, the more we learn to sit with them, the less impact they have on us.  This may need to be done with the support of a therapist, of course.  But it's finding a way to do that, which will allow us to build space around the difficult thoughts/emotions.

[Former-Member]

There's a fair bit of research to support Mindfulness as a tool for people who experience anxiety and/or depression. 

[Former-Member]

Some of you may have heard of "Mindfulness based cognitive therapy?" http://mbct.com/

[CherryBomb]

I'm looking forward to going for a walk in the morning...

We got a few more minutes before we finish up.

Thanks @Former-Member for your input to tonight's discussion!

[Former-Member]

Pleasure, @CherryBomb.

Happy to respond to queries after the Forum ends, too.

Thanks for having on baord everyone.  Cheers, Sunnydaisy

[CherryBomb]

Thanks to everyone who contributed to tonight's conversation. Moving away from the seesaw merry go round can be immensely challenging.

Remember to nurture yourself, and creating a safe space to allow you to work through the motions - even if it means slowly but surely sifting through the sand. This is be part of a process that may help you step away from the merry go round. 

If you would like to continue this conversation, I encourage you to start a new thread and feel free to mention @Former-Member who will be available to answer questions throughout the week. 

If you found any of tonight's conversation triggering, and require immediate support, please don't hestitate to contact 24/7 counselling services listed below:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Mensline 1300 789 978 (if relevant to you)

Salvo care line 1300 36 36 22