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- This topic has 4 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 5 months ago by Cassie.
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May 8, 2013 at 4:19 am #35253CassieParticipant
Hi there, I am new to tinybuddha and am looking for some advice.
I am currently in recovery from mental illness (depression, anxiety, PTSD and, most of all, an eating disorder). I am determined to beat this, but I am struggling with self-worth and a sense of achievement.
For a while I was relying on martial arts training (20+ hours per week) to get me through a rough patch with eating. However, today I was forced to quit my gym and now I feel like I have nothing to make my life worthwhile. I don’t work (high risk of stress induced relapse at this stage of recovery), I don’t study (I am hopefully going back next year) and I don’t really do anything else.
Basically, what I’m asking is for some advice on things I could do with my time to bring about a sense of worth, achievement and ultimately happiness.
Sorry if this is an unusual request..Thank you!
May 8, 2013 at 12:41 pm #35267LaurenParticipantOMG – I can’t believe I have just read this post! It is EXACTLY how I feel right now! I am trying to recover from an eating disorder and I too am struggling to find some sense of purpose/meaning to my life. I am currently studying (or at least trying to, but I can’t really focus). I feel so lost and I just don’t know what to do with my time. I’m even doubting whether the course I am studying at university is the right one for me…..I have no enthusiasm to study it and therefore no motivation. Sigh. Sorry I’ve not been of much help, but I just wanted to let you know that I can completely empathise with your situation! 🙂
May 8, 2013 at 3:16 pm #35288Buddhist WifeParticipantIf it isn’t triggering to your eating issues, would you be able to do some other form of exercise such as walking?
I would also suggest some crafts or hobbies such as knitting or sewing. Making cards is another good creative hobby and not expensive.
You could also consider studying but on your own time so there is no pressure. There are lots of free online courses that you might enjoy. You could study something like art or film or whatever interests you, just for fun with no particular goal in mind.
If you feel well enough you could consider doing some volunteer work. Lots of charities are grateful to have someone help even a few hours a week.
I hope you find something and that you feel more at peace soon.
May 9, 2013 at 3:24 am #35303CassieParticipantI am changing courses at uni so I know what you mean. I used to love what I was doing, but as I really thought about it, I realised I wasn’t passionate enough about it and wouldn’t like to work in that field. So I’m hoping for a transfer!
I hope things get easier for you, and I’m here if you ever want to chat about recovery/life/whatever.May 9, 2013 at 3:27 am #35304CassieParticipantThank you for your response.
I do other forms of exercise, but it’s just a struggle to ‘justify’ eating (or over indulging in my mind) when I’m less active.
Yeah, I am not overly creative, but I will look into some crafty things or just go for something like gardening – I love gardening.
I looked into free online courses! Thank you so much for that idea! -
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