My continuing story

[Bimby2]

Have been today to see my regular GP and had my medications changed. Still feel anxious aboout life

in general but hope these new meds will help me deal with my anxiety. Find talking to long-time friends

help with their understanding of my anxiety/depression and want to get well again, even though my moods

alter my resolve towards this at times. Does daily journalling and even meditation help others with their

anxious thoughts? I am a relative newcomer to this remarkable forum and would welcome advice on how

others try to cope with restrictive and anxious, seesawing mood swings. We are people that should feel

proud of any small achievement that we manage on our way to a better mental health regime. With all

good wishes to each forum member. Bimby2

[Silenus]

Beautifully said @Bimby2.

I hope the med change works wonders for you.

Journaling definitely helps me to understand the patterns of my mood swings, and trying to find out what my triggers are. Meditation has worked very well for me in easing my overthinking. In that way, even though I don't suffer majorly from anxiety, it has helped to ease my anxious feelings.

For me, meditation isn't something that I do for a set time, sitting cross-legged and deliberately trying to empty my mind. It's just as simple as appreciating a sunrise or sunset, and giving myself over to it fully, without any intrusion from the usual churning thoughts and emotions that tend to block the view...

I say it's "just as simple", but it has taken me years of practice to get to the point where Mindfulness and meditation come naturally to me. It's like you have to unlearn all of this worrying stuff that we are taught to do as part of our social conditioning, before you can focus on the things that are really important - the here and now...

I hope everyone enjoys watching a sunset quietly soon. It really is an amazing spectacle not to be missed. Forget about your worries and your fears and concerns and stresses of the day. Focus on those amazing colours, as the setting sun paints a daily masterpiece upon the palette of the sky...

Huggles... 🙂

[MoonGal]

 Hi @Bimby2 - I use a few different techniques to try to help modulate my mood states - I talked about several in "The Toolkit" others have discussed a range of things they do too - in "The coping box".

You said: "We are people that should feel proud of any small achievement that we manage on our way to a better mental health regime".

Indeed we are, and I love it here on the forums I have 'met' a rich diverse group of people who show up in their own lives and take charge of their own health as much and as often as possible AND can be vulnerable and just need support at other times. Glad you are here. ❤️

PS: Hope the new medication settles in okay.

[Bimby2]

Thank you Moon Gal for your words of wisdom re a Toolbox. We need help with our efforts to overcome

sad feelings and a sense of loss that leads to anxiety and depression.  May you be blessed for your

heartfelt contribution - I feel blessed by your wisdom. Bimby2