How do you stop yourself getting down

angelpye

Ps I have just invested in a cheap tablet computer that also has a kindle app and can download programmes films onto for those days when I have long journeys for work (not very often luckily) so I feel the time will be used watching or reading things I don't usually have time for or miss due to busy life. Can also get magazine subscribed to it and for £100 it's worth it for my sanity

Guineapigsqueaks

• Know that you will not always feel so low. Once you have had low times and then felt better, you will always know that feeling brighter will be possible with time.
• Say to yourself "this too will pass", because it will.
• Say well done to yourself for every achievement, it may be small when you are brighter, but a huge challenge when you are low, so be proud that you did it. At low times, I have said well done to myself constantly as each small thing is achieved, like brushing my teeth or managing half a sandwich.
• Listen to the radio when you wake. You are instantly part of the World and getting on with life. I like Radio 5 Live (except when the sport is on ).
• Keep busy if you can manage it, it can prevent you slipping down. Do things that you enjoy, but also things you'd rather not, show yourself you can take those things on and win.
• Laugh if you can and seek out things/people that help you do that. Cry when you feel like it, it's good for you.
• Read to or chat to your children, hug and kiss them goodnight (even if it takes all your strength to sound okay doing it)
• Finally, a bit trivial, but I feel better if my hair and make-up is done and I am wearing something I love. It's worth treating yourself to a few nice things, but you don't need piles of them .

Hope everyone can find something to pat themselves on the back for today, because there will be something and most likely many things.

Guineapigsqueaks x

MrsCautious

Hello, so much lovely advice here. I'm suffering very much in a similar vein, with grief as the underlying cause as it's not yet a year since my husband died aged 44. On top of all the emotional turmoil I find myself in, I find myself a single parent of 2 teenagers who are wearing me out. I was really hoping for spring weather to help brighten my outlook. Like you I really want to declutter but am struggling to find the energy. I also have PTSD and am suffering the most vivid and horrible flashbacks to my husband's pain and all too rapid decline, I need to take time to heal.

I try to count my blessings every day, which is very hard as inevitably I think about what we have lost. But the one thing I'm determined to do is give myself little things to look forward to: a trip to some complementary therapy, cooking a favourite meal, watching a favourite TV show, or rewatching online, reading, planning a holiday or day out.

Another thing which has given me focus is getting involved with a charity, it's something so different and challenging but giving me an added sense of achievement and purpose. The organisers are patient and understanding, I wouldn't want to feel under any more pressure than I already do.

I'm on unpaid leave and do want to get on with the decluttering but in the meantime I am relishing 'discovering' thrift and trying to congratulate myself for small money saving steps. I've started comping thanks to the board here and tbh am enjoying that, who knows if I will ever win anything!
Planning and cooking fresh simple meals is also a positive factor in my day.
I agree about getting outside and feel better after taking our dog to a local beauty spot.

Most of all I'd say be kind to yourself, don't judge yourself against some perceived standard of what/how you should be doing and take each day as it comes xxx sending you love and good luck.