Don W

I'd like to share some coping skills I recieved at the V A Hospital. If they apply use them. There are a number of them so I'll be putting a sticky and post some each day. I understand they got them from Seeking Safety, by Lisa Najavits
10/11/05
#1 - Ask for help-------- Reach out to someone safe
#2 - Inspire yourself-----Carry something positive, poem or negitive, photo of friend that overdosed or died from alcoholism.
#3 - Leave a bad scene-- When things go wrong, get out
#4 - Persist--------------never,never, never, never, never,give up
#5 - Honesty------------Secrets and lies are at the core of PTSD and substance abuse. Honesty heals them

Don W

#6-Cry-------------------------Let yourself cry, it will not last forever
#7-Choose self respect---------Choose whatever will make you like yourself tomorrow
#8-Take good care of your body-Healthy eating,excercise, and safe sex
#9-List your options-------------In any situation you have choices
#10-Do the best you can with what you have-Make the most of available opportunities

The seeker

Thank's for the reminder's Don. They do help.

Grimnar

Good list.

(heh, at this point I'd settle for any sex! )

Keep 'em coming.

Yaroslav

Good list.
Thanks Don!

jcade

good list thanks for sharing it,
thks,
jcade

Hope

I'm glad that you posted that list!

A very good post to often take a look at.

Pepsifreek007

Thanks Don I'll try to remember.

hionlife

AWESOME!! I needed this this am

Lilya

Thanks Don,

I needed to read this.

meli2005

Don, those are good reminders!!!

ladygarrison

Thank YOU things most of us know but in the middle of our misery forget.

soul_searchn

thanks! those are great!

BeautifulChaos7

I'll try that! thanks

Don W

Today, Take a moment and find something that you like about yourself. Then dwell on it. I like the fact that I'm here with you today.
Let's take today on together.

Don W

If things are not working out, sometimes we need to change the only thing we can.

OURSELF

Don W

Today I will not allow other people to rule my thoughts. I will keep my head clear and on target. Today, I will have a good day.

Don W

Don't always focus on what we did wrong during the day. We've all have done things right and need to give ourselves credit. Even if it's simply the fact that you're on SR.

Don W

Doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching, is difficult but, helps in recovery so much. You can almost feel the self esteem growing when you do.

Don W

Pay attention to your breathing. Many times our breathing measures the level of our
stress. There are many relaxation excercises, on line, to help control our breathing. Sit down and count the number of breaths you take per min. I was surprised at how many I take when upset. Then relax and try to reduce these breaths by taking deep breaths and holding it. Then let it slowly out. I am able to reduce about 50 breaths a min. down to a hand full. Try it.