Hi justkeepswimming This sounds so exhausting. I can imagine a conflict with a friend like this can feel really stressful and anxiety-inducing. It does sound like W was not understanding they had breached your boundaries, or considerate of your experience, which would be really hurtful. I think it's really strong of you to recognise within yourself it's in your best interest to move on from the friendship. I have needed to end relationships with friends. I had a relationship with a friend who would consistently message and try to hang out with me, even though I was presenting clear signs I was not interested in pursuing the friendship. It was really difficult and, to be fully honest, I handled the situation a bit clumsily. I think what Andrea-RO has said sounds like a really good strategy, especially because you need to keep seeing them in some contexts. ... View more

Hey Indieinsanus   These feelings sound really heavy. I can imagine all these emotions and thoughts would feel very overwhelming. I'm sorry you are having to experience this. I do think it's really good you have jumped online and shared how you are feeling.    Speaking from my own experience (what I have learned in therapy), I was a sensitive child, and my psychologist often talks to me about how for sensitive children, even mild experiences can be impactful. So, I just want to say that whatever your feeling, whether it would be seen as a conventionally traumatic experience or not, sounds valid and worth the attention.    I have struggled with shame and associated anxiety, which comes from my childhood experiences. For me, these feelings can be very physically strong in my body, and feel to be coming from a younger, wounded part of me. Most of these experiences are not physical or conventionally traumatic sounding, but they have effects on me. This is something I work with my psychologist on. There are other things that might relate to your description of seasonal feelings. For me, when I head back to my home town, I feel a sense of shame and anxiety, like I am going to get 'caught out' there. I sometimes wonder if this relates to feeling different from other people in childhood.   In relation to your question and, I can only speak to my experience, there were events in my childhood that I feel were traumatic and had impacts on me, which were not conventionally traumatic or physical. I think whatever your experiencing is fully valid and, as you mentioned, I hope you have the opportunity to talk to someone about this and learn more about these feelings!   Does my sharing of this experience help at all? How are you feeling today?  ... View more

Hey Suzie29   What great resources! I'm glad you can find support there! I agree - talking with people who actually 'get you' feels very comforting. ... View more

Thats such a good idea! There is a really awesome jazz one here I love! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0_ejQQcrwI ... View more

Hey @lpdkojnkbhsc I thought I would jump on and share some thoughts. This sounds like a very uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing experience. I'm so sorry you have needed to deal with this. Whilst I cannot fully relate to this experience, I know when I have a friend that is making me feel uncomfortable, I need to distance myself, at least for a little and talk with a friend/ family member who I know 100% has my back. This always helps ground me and reminds me of what truly good friends are like. You're boundaries deserve to be respected so I think voicing your experience on here is really brave and strong. Please feel free to keep this thread updated with any feelings/ thoughts you are having. ... View more

I love my morning walk for this! I like rug up and go for a chilled out walk around the local park as the sun rises. This gives me space to think, be alone and in nature. It's always soothing and a calm way to start the day. ... View more

I love this one! Beef Pasta: Any pasta 500g mince Any greens you can think of (broccoli, kale, bok-choy) Capsicum A whole lotta crushed tomatoes Napoleon sauce Boil water and add pasta Cook mince separately. When cooked, throw everything else in. All done! ... View more

Hi Snowy_Triangle What you're describing sounds really rough. Loneliness is a brutal feeling, and I understand feeling it for a prolonged period would be very difficult. I think your ideas about joining a club sound really good - I think when we are feeling lonely, those kinds of warm social environments are really good. It's so difficult that these are not available right now with the lockdown - though they could be something on the horizon! When I feel lonely, I find practising self-love and acceptance really helps remind me I have myself. For me, I like to engage in a calming exercise called 'havening'. Essentially, it's gently stroking from your shoulders down your arms. It creates a soothing, warm effect. I like to tell myself everything is going be OK while I do this. Lighting some candles, having a bath, listening to some chill music also helps me when I feel this way. Does any of this sound like it would work for you? What self-care activities do you think you might enjoy? ... View more

Hey Xraychick   I hear what you're saying. I can understand how the idea of 'normal exercise' would be confusing/ create some inner conflict with you, especially when you are trying to build a healthy lifestyle that takes into account the needs of your mental health. Sounds like allot to take in!   I have struggled with the issue of 'normal exercise' myself. For a while, I would try to hit the gym and compete with others but always felt inadequate and I would give up. For me, what finally worked was an ultra-personal, solo exercise routine. One that was about getting outside and giving it a go.   For me, this was listening to my favourite podcasts or music, and starting with a light, chill jog around the park - only for 15 - 20 minutes. I told myself I could walk whenever I got tired as well. At the end, I did a small amount of strength (pushups/situps) under a nice tree.    This worked for me. I enjoyed working out and didn't have to compete with others. Now, I can run a little longer and do a bit more strength, and the routine helps with my anxiety as well.   I hope sharing my experience might be helpful! I feel exercise has become overly associated with body image. For me, it's part of my self-care so I like to keep it a little on the easier side.   Would something like this work for you? What types of exercise do you enjoy most? ... View more

Hey ShaiShai666   I just wanted to build off what Katurian said and say I can understand how difficult this experience must be for you. I can imagine the stress of doubting your partner and the insecurity involved, let alone the hurt that comes with that type of behaviour. Sounds really tough and difficult.    I think it's great you have identified you would like some help and don't want to push through alone, so I wish you the best with counselling. I can speak from experience that I had some very hefty relationship issues and relationship counselling helped me MASSIVELY.   It really created a huge change in my relationship and allowed both myself and my partner to understand the underlying communication problems involved. So I would personally congratulate you for being open to this and for sharing your experience on here.    I wish you the best with however you choose to move forward. From your writing, it sounds like you are quite aware of the supports you might need and that's really impressive.  ... View more

Self-care is so important!    Today I did something similar - I have been doing a lot of studies lately so treated myself to a nice walk, some music and a favourite meal - spicey pasta!     ... View more