Posted by fallsfall on July 23, 2003, at 3:09:25
In reply to Need self soothing help, posted by Dinah on July 22, 2003, at 19:21:25
I can tell you what I do (your milage may vary).
1. Journal (helps me think things through and identify what is really bothering me)
2. Call a friend (I don't do this and I should)
3. Read Psychology books
4. Computer games (Mah Jong and Snood are my favorites)
5. Watch a movie
6. Draw a picture or make a sculpture (Art Therapy)
7. Color a picture (makes me feel in control, crayons smell really good)
8. IM with friends either about my problem, or more likely about theirs (Usually done with #4)
9. Read Babble continuously
10. Nap
11. Cuddle with my dogs
12. Walk through a craft or bookstore looking at everything
13. Play guitar (Girl Scout camp songs. I bring my guitar with me when I go to the hospital)You can find other ideas in "The Women's Comfort Book". I recommend this book highly. Also, DBT has a section on Distress Tolerance.
Most of these ideas are either to get the feelings out or to distract yourself from them.
I find things like taking my dogs for a walk a bad idea because it gives me too much time to think without generating something tangible (journal or picture etc.). For me, that is a bad idea.
I agree that you should make sure your therapist knows how much you are bothered.
I hope this helps.
(((((Dinah)))))
poster:fallsfall
thread:244349
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030711/msgs/244423.html