For me, it's all about staying busy and on routines. Some may see me as boring, but I swear it keeps me focused on tasks until I feel good and tired. Yes, some days are a washout and I get little done. The next day I bounce back and try and stay motivated. Probably not much help, but I'm rooting for you!

Sometimes I think when we get to a point where old coping methods don't seem as effective anymore, it's actually a sign that we're improving, shedding old skins and growing as people. So I'd say it's maybe a good thing that you're feeling this way, so try to feel good about the effort you've put into yourself.

I don't know if this was already something you were doing, but I always suggest doing something creative. You can pour a lot into making something. If you've ever wanted to take up a creative hobby - painting, writing, music, sewing, cooking, whatever - now's your time! Making something that couldn't and wouldn't exist without you to put it there is a very personally rewarding thing.

I'm rooting for you, too. Keep going and remember that we're here when you need us.

Hey Angel, I keep a very large and varied toolbox available for when some go to tools aren't working. If you are not familiar with Rational Behavior Training, you might want to pick up a self help book to train you. RBT lets me challenge what I am telling myself to get back on track. I also have found that making myself talk to other folks can help. When I first came to DS, I read lots of posts and the replies, as many kind people here shared their tools in the replies. Your post was the first step. Comforting hugs.

want to feel better? spend some time helping people who are in need. it tends to lessen our own problems and the satisfaction of helping others helps your self also

I can relate to outgrowing a coping skill. Mine was reading but it's been a while since I have bought a book on Kindle. At first I was suprised and kind wondering why I had stopped reading but then I realized that I no longer needed to eet bscape real life like I did before.. I am sure I will get back to it but it will be different.....an act of reflexion and not one of desparation.

Routine and lists for me. Making a to do list - even if its a small easy one - and crossing of the things on it makes me feel good about myself. On particularly hard days my to do list has simple tasks like "go outside for 10 minutes" and crossing it out is very satisfying to me. Working and studying (I'm a student) also helps me take my mind of things. And spending time with [positive] friends or family is nice. Even if its just a phone call. You don't even have to talk about what's bothering you if you don't want too.

Thank you all. I am not the original poster. But you all helped me too. Heidi, what you said about reading makes perfect sense.I used to love reading. It was my "go-to " as a child. I would take a book and go lie down with my horse and read for hours. If I wasn't reading with my horse it was in my hide-out.

But now I don't read, and I don't color like I used to .I need to learn other coping skills. I usually just " stuff" things. And to be honest I am right now.