What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
I have experienced a lot of negative feelings including sadness (major depressive disorder), social anxiety, anger and grief. So, this post will probably be long.
When I was angry, I went on a brisk walk. I can’t even remember why I was mad. I just remember wanting to kick or throw the stuff in my apartment. So, I deliberately wore myself out. I remember having an inner argument as I walked on the sidewalk. I wondered if anyone saw me walking and gesturing with my hands.
Other times, I have cried or talked it out. I have also scribbled or torn up a paper with a word that represents what I am mad at.
When I was in a depression episode, I reached out to a therapist and psychiatrist for help. The therapist helped me to work through some unresolved issues concerning the death of my great aunt while the anti-depressants helped me by reducing social anxiety and improved the sleeping pattern.
I also wrote “Dear God” letters, pretend therapy and created some of my own art therapy as a way to express and work through my emotions.
“My thought is that if our only goal is our own well-being; that would be self-centered. However, when our goal also includes being well so that we can serve others effectively, we become instruments of healing and wholeness in our world. In that case, we are better able to fulfill our desire to love our neighbor as we better love ourselves. There is a significant difference between being self-centered and having a centered self.” Scott Stoner
What has worked for you? What have you seen work for others?