(((((Elster)))))
Okay....coping strategies.
Sometimes a nap will stave off a mild impending depression. I have hot baths and listen to music. For fear and panic, it's good to hug somebody, it takes away that sense of not being "real".
Sometimes taking steps to help myself can make me feel immediately better, for example just the fact that I've made arrangements to talk to someone about the problem can increase feelings of strength.
Reminding myself again and again that the messages fear and depression give are not reflective of truth but are symptoms of trauma can help too.
Self nurture is important at these times too.....even if I feel like shit, I don't have to treat myself like it.
God! I think a sense of humour must be one of the best things in my repertoire...I don't fear what I can laugh at.
I read jokes; ridicule perpetrators, remember hilarious quips I have heard..
Remembering beauty is a powerful tool too; light in the dark...Ilook at my babie's smiles...the hue of a bright yellow daisy...the sweet, sweet strains of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor... going to my "Pandygirls" file to have a look at the gallery of pictures of wonderful women I have amassed there...no matter how ugly some things are, there is still bright, brilliant beauty in the world.
Sounds ridiculous, but buying something pink can be an immediate comfort to me...a pink headscarf, pink tee-shirt, bracelet with pink stones, any shade will do.
Remebering power...thinking about conquering goddesses...and that includes opening my Pandygirls file again. I also have several amazing pics of mythological goddesses, and looking at these strengthens me. I can also recall the times in my life where I have shown guts in the face of fear.
Focusing away from me a bit...I have friends that I cannot go too deeply with, but sometimes a cup of coffee and mild chit-chat takes me out of myself for awhile and that can be a relief...
Posting here, even if it's just asking for a hug.
Love to all
Rachel xxxxxx