What are coping statements? Coping statements are truthful positive statements used to replace the negative and untrue thoughts that take-over when you feel anxious, stressed, angry, and/or when facing other overwhelming situations. "Remember that it won't hurt forever" is a coping statement. Being a truthful statement counter-acts negative unhelpful … [Read more...] about What Are Helpful Coping Statements and What Are Not?
unhealthy thinking styles
Which Coping Statements for Depression Work for Me?
Positive coping statements for depression is one tool that keeps me from circling the drain. Having spent decades with unhelpful thinking, that was all I knew. And depression was right there to steer me away when I got near coping statements for depression. It often sent me time traveling. I spent more time in the future than Marty in “back to the future.” The future for me … [Read more...] about Which Coping Statements for Depression Work for Me?
What You See May Not Be What You Get
I see eyes and a mouth ready to eat me if I get too close. That’s what I see as I sit in my therapist’s office waiting for my appointment. Maybe I watched too many cartoons as a child. I see the raised couch cushion forming an upper lip, while the frame underneath becomes the bottom of the mouth. And the tops of the sofa arms, become eyes. But if I go over, all I will … [Read more...] about What You See May Not Be What You Get
Two Tools That Help Me and Others Navigate Depression
"I have depression, depression does not have me." This has been my mantra for over 15 months. Hospitalized at the end of April last year, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. My hospitalization began my journey to learn all I can about depression. Along the way, I have collected tools that I use daily. Some tools for facing my depression are now so ingrained, that … [Read more...] about Two Tools That Help Me and Others Navigate Depression
All Dressed Up for Hurricane Isaias and No Place to Go
I prepared for the worst and it never came. In fact, it seems as if I slept through the worst of it. And the worst of it was a little rain, something we desperately need. Based on yesterday’s forecast, Hurricane Isaias, now a tropical storm, was scheduled to spend much of today with us. There were to be 1 to 2 inches of rain and the threat of major power outages as the wind … [Read more...] about All Dressed Up for Hurricane Isaias and No Place to Go