Joanna,

Even though you are addressing Anita, I thought I’d jump in.

It sounds like your anxiety is the main driver of your other issues.  Your self harm, your sleep and other things as the result of our anxiety.  I see that Anita talked about managing anxiety.  Are you addressing it?

Meditation comes in many forms.  The traditional sitting on a cushion in silence is one way.  There are other ways like chanting or movement or whatever.  You can consider walking in silent mindfulness in the forest as meditation.  Listening to music and/or someone guiding you is another approach.

I am a main believer in exercise in dealing with emotions.  You don’t even have to go to a gym.  Running or walking is exercise.  Jumping up and down in your kitchen is exercise.  Screaming is another way of letting out emotions.

I believe the more we notice and being in touch with our bodies, the more aware we are mindful and the easier it is to deal with strong emotions.  When I am feeling fear, I notice where in my body it shows up and I breath into it.  I sit with it until it goes away.

Breathing is another way of dealing with emotions.  I’ve done Laughter Yoga which is more about the breath than about the physical poses.  Check out You Tube for that.  Chanting is another way of breathing.  Or just taking deep, diaphragm breaths into your belly and/or wherever your anxiety shows up in your body is another way in dealing with it.

Self harm is a habit you have developed to deal with your anxiety.  Find a substitute, healthier behavior that you can substitute when you feel the urge.

Please consider what Anita suggested as a more comprehensive and systematic way of addressing your anxiety for it is a symptom of a core issue that needs to addressed.

Take care,
Mark

• This reply was modified 6 years, 10 months ago by Mark.