Lived Experience Forum

[CheerBear]

I find fear one of the hardest ones for me to manage. Anger and sadness (grief probably) are up there also.

[HayleyC]

I find that I really hate to feel discomfort - or rather I hate feeling ambiguity about things. Having GAD I find it difficult to not know how situations will be resolved as it causes some anxiety and anxious ideation - so I try to relieve the anxious feelings by distracting myself or 'giving in' to the anxiety and trying to problem solve as much as I can.

[Maree11]

Yeah also problem wth intense sadness smetmes just manage crying..talking lifeline beyond blue etc hv shower try to eat well ...think of good positive memories images ...

[Saski]

Getting time to exercise is important for me to manage

[utopia]

I used to self medicate - alcohol - to not have to experience these feelings. Not drinking anymore. 

Othertimes I just try and sleep through it all and ignore it.

Doesn't help.

I find when I am experiencing more than one stressor at a time, that is when I can't cope. Another bill on top of an unexpected expense. Frustration my meds aren't working. That constant negative self talk. People (mum) trying to offer advice (when I don't ask for it). Any little thing can become huge in seconds

[Sue1]

I struggle with managing distress and it can be difficult in various situations when my buttons get pushed. In certain situations I need to be able to change my state - recently it has been suggested I try- taking a breath, reflecting I am responsible for what I say, acknowledging the feeling, then asking is my state serving me in this moment? If not making a choice to be present and deal with the state later in the day eg if at work - when I get home or during lunch break- not always easy for someone with anxiety - I am willing to try anything

[Adge]

Intense despair, guilt, anxiety, & sometimes (rarely) anger.

I would like to run away from, or avoid all of them - although I know that's supposedly not healthy.

Anger feels cataclysmic - so if someone is angry at me (or even if I'm feeling angry), it seems like the end of the world.

Adge

[emiweena]

I'm a parent to 3 small boys and along with the day to day stress of raising children, I've developed quite strong anxiety that I'd like to learn how to manage better.

[Margot]

Noticing the early warning signs that we are headed towards a feeling of distress is such an important part of distress tolerance @HayleyC 

That's so true @CheerBear - learning these skills is such an important part of recovery. And, often that learning continues with every step along that journey. 

Sounds like there's been a whole lot happening for your lately @ladygrace Being proactive rather than reactive, helps us to feel more in control for sure. 

That's an intersting point you raise @Maree11. We all have ways of coping with distress and the key is to replace the strategies that we don't find helpful, with strategies that we do fnd helpful. 

Not at all @BlueBay Great to have you here!

Welcome @Sue1 and @Saski

[adlaide77]

Pressure at work to do multiple things for multiple people. I can’t think of the name of the feeling. Except AHHHHHH