When things are bad...

[Nirvanadragones]

As others have said, it all depends on what kind of "bad". One of the emotions I find most difficult to assimilate, is anger. I tend to sit with it a little longer than I should. I don't act rash and break and throw things. And I don't get aggressive, but I do find that I have the need to do something physical with it. Running works really well. Or I work out. Hard. And I usually run hard and far and well. And it's scary what I've been able to do with a swingball.

I talk. Sometimes to myself, sometimes to whomever, whether they're there or not. Sometimes I go to those closest to me to let it out. Meditation works well. Sometimes I write. Sometimes I find visual expression to deal with the "bad". Sometimes music.

My biggest needs, are usually to acknowledge what I'm feeling and not hide it, or hide from it. And then to allow myself to feel it, regardless of how terrible it is. And then deal with it in the most constructive way I know. That usually consists of releasing it in some form.

But all of what I've just described takes much energy and determination, and sometimes I don't have that, and I resort to the more destructive numbing of the senses, by drinking, or eating, or fucking myself senseless. Or sleeping.

At other times, I just need absolute escape. It's not a negative or destructive space. It's a place where I need to let go completely. When I'm very tense, especially lately, it is an absolute challenge to get to that space. It's all about control I know. But even sleeping is a challenge, because when I do, I'm vulnerable. I have different ways of dealing with this. One includes large amounts of weed. The other, is with Her.

It all depends where I am in that moment, or what exactly it is that I'm feeling.

 

[OhMissScarlett]

I used to just hide in bed and sleep forever when things were really bad, but now I find that makes me feel a lot worse, so I try to get out, no matter what and do something, if possible.

-I go for a long long walk with only my IPOD for company.

-Playing with the dogs. They always have positive energy to give.

-Going for a drive, though with current gas prices, that can often be even more depressing.

-Sometimes I take the kidlet to do something he's never done before. It reminds me that there was a time in my life when everything was new and didn't suck so much.

-I go to a movie alone. It doesn't matter what it is, but something about sitting in the dark and focusing on one thing is a great distraction.

 

[English Lady]

Oh, I have several things but mostly they're avoidance tactics.

Losing myself in a good book if i have the time to do it is one of my favourite therapies.

baking a new recipe preferably, something to occupy my mind. Baking is best but cooking a soup or something like that will work too.

A film -preferably a comedy or if i need a relase something i know will make me cry.

Or i talk to myself, aloud or in my head, if something needs working out. Long walks are good for this.

Oh, and shopping for a treat, if i can afford to do that. It was my mum's answer to any kind of upset and I find it works when i need to be nice to myself

 

[SweetWitch]

I step out to the garage and hit, kick and body slam the heavy bag. I use a broom stick on occasion to beat the hapless thing and sometimes even throw things at it. If my rage (and I always get angry when I'm blue) was caused by a particular person, I hang a picture of him/her on the bag before kicking the shit out of it.

Hey, it's the Irish in me.