[Chat] Stuck in the middle?
There are many times when we seek out support when we're feeling down, and there are other times when we feel we don't need support because we're happy. Other times we're stuck in the middle
The middle can indeed be a very confusing place, and for a lot of our members here it is something very familiar. After learning how to cope through bad times, there may be times when you're not necessarily happy, but you're also not as sad as you have felt before. So what does it mean when you're in the middle?
We want to hear your ideas and thoughts about strategies and ways to cope when feeling in 'the middle'. So Join us on Monday night next week (the 7th of March) so we can all have a chat about how you cope with 'the middle'.
Here's when its on in your state 
@RevzZ this is true, if the middle is already a good place for you that could be a coping mechanism in itself
I think it just becomes more problematic when you experience more than 1 middle at a time. You become torn with one idea and as if that wasn't enough, there's still more which you have to deal with.
@N1ghtW1ng Anger seems like an interesting concept. In society, it's been given a negative feel but I've strangely been motivated sometimes because of it. It'll be great to look into.
What are some ways and strategies you use to cope with being in the middle?
It probably depends on where you were coming from - if you came from a really low or difficult point, just knowing you've made it to calmer waters can be a coping mechanism, and a reminder of how far you've come. But if you're coming down from a great feeling, I find that I have to start doing small things like taking walks or doing chores or something productive. Getting to an amazing place takes effort, so it can feel like you're having a small-scale victory when you finish something or be productive
Okay everyone! We are winding down the tempo a bit so we make sure everyone gets a chance to have their say. Especially cause it's so dang interesting.
@N1ghtW1ng I think anger can be good or bad, it's a response to something, it might be a "good" response or it might be a "bad" response. Anger is generally something that gets our adrenaline going and makes us act, often that's exactly what we need to do to keep moving forward and do the things we want to do. Sometimes though it can make us do things that are not so good, especially if we have a lot to be angry about for example. Does that kind of answer your question? or did i miss the mark?
Sometimes, it's usually though after a recent low that I've come out of, but still would like help, should it come back. I find things often easy to explain, rather just hard to be understood.
@Ben-RO That's an interesting diagram. I'm not sure about the words between each one though. Is it a combination of the two on each side?
@RevzZ it was created by a scientist and professor called plutchik waaay back in the 80's it is probably more useful for understanding how emotion can work with the theorey of evolution, but it's very pretty 😛 The bits between the petals are the feelings that come from the emotions. I could do a whole forum just on that, so I am not going to explain toooo much more just now! 😛
I try not to judge it and tell myself it's ok to be ok for a change. I try not to worry about it or tell myself that I don't deserve ok feelings. I try to be as present as possible.
@N1ghtW1ng interesting comparison! I like the circle idea, since feelings can be much more complex than just a happy point and sad point
You guys are making some really awesome points! Time for the next question:
What are some ways and strategies you use to cope with being in the middle?
What are some ways and strategies you use to cope with being in the middle?
Well I took way too long on that question!
- Listening to string quartets
- Listenint gentle rain
- Distracting myself with Youtube or movies
- Tire myself out physically so I don't have enough energy to feel terrible
How might a balance between feeling up and down be healthy for our mental wellbeing?
I think it's just a part of how we're supposed to experience emotions, no one can be super happy all the time. Times where you're just feeling calm or content are good to take stock of how things are going, it's an opportunity to look at the good and bad times in a different light.
Hmmm....I think sometimes, coping with being in the middle may not necessarily have to be a thing. As it's been said before, it all depends on a matter of perspective. Some might enjoy being in the middle while others don't. I'd love to hear some strategies especially since I'm someone who's really tried a lot of different things yet I'm still just as confused as ever. The only difference would probably be that I'm not so affected by it as usual since I'm always trying something new.
@N1ghtW1ng anger is definitely a tricky one to place, it can be either a positive or negative emotion depending on a few different things.
