Posted by dove on March 29, 2005, at 9:17:08
In reply to Re: Red Lines » dove, posted by rayww on March 28, 2005, at 17:14:02
One silly method, which I use a *a lot* is expressing myself with temporary tattoos. I not only apply them to my skin, I now make my own tatoodles--as my kids call them. (Realize that having five children quickly turning into young teens can really motivate you to find other ways of expressing emotion than the dangerous ones.)Sometimes the tatoodles are not very pleasant, but it really seems to help me, the expressing part. I tried Henna stuff, dying my skin, but that just ends up sending me batty because it flakes off all over the place and isn't vibrant enough for me to "feel" it. If that makes any sense.
Writing! My number one silly thing to do! My husband still has some issues with receiving my lovely and light-hearted (haha) poetic ramblings, and he doesn't respond in a manner that is helpful to me, and I don't know if he ever will. However, that is my issue really and I just noticed this board in the last month--even though I've been on Babble for years--doh! And I think I can use this board instead of him to apply this method more actively.
Another silly method is pounding on the piano and letting the anxiety/frustration/anger/pain out that way. Only problem is, through a series of bad decisions in the past year and a half, I gave my piano away. So... I'm trying to get one, even an old upright that will probably go through my floor, or a little keyboard, anything, because this one is a definite physical and *loud* emotional release for me.
These methods are so specific to me that I don't know if they will help anyone else. I wish there was a prescription for everyone that could enable them to express and feel in a safe manner, but there just isn't.
I also play the computer games "Diablo II" and "EverQuest" online, which does indeed help. I started by playing just single player Diablo and found myself very pleased with killing monsters and procuring new armor and skills. I moved online for the social interaction. EverQuest provides a lot of social interaction, and time to talk about almost anything and everything in a somewhat safe environment. I have found people who really care and are true friends and they let me express myself, and I return the favor.
With the computer games, they have the added benefit of bonding with my husband and kids, as they also play. We have played America's Army Online, and our whole family was on the same team, working together, and having a ton of fun. A little unorthodox for family quality time, but it does truly work for us. When my kids have had a rough day, I do allow them to play computer games or Gamecube for 30-45 minutes before trying to get them to talk, it seems to loosen their tongues and allow them to say what is really hurting.
We should start a thread for this subject and get other people's input who have the same struggle.... and compile it in Psycho-Babble Tips http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/psycho-babble-tips/links . I don't know which board it would go on though.
dove
poster:dove
thread:475048
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/write/20050321/msgs/477153.html