Self care

[Dandelion]

So I have been through so much in this past weekend. And anyway a counselor I got to talk to told me to care for myself this week. The problem is I don't quite remember how.

So I was curious of what ways do you guys practice self care or recommend?

[Sam W]

Hi dandelion,

To start off, these two pieces are helpful when you're looking for self-care. The first is mostly ideas, the second is a reminder that sometimes self-care requires us to do things that are a little difficult:
Self-Care a La Carte
Self-Care When It's Scary

As far as other recommendations go, I always encourage people to have multiple forms of self-care under their belt. That way, when one type doesn't seem to be working, you can try something else. I also recommend having your self-care strategies do a variety of things. So some are relaxing (coloring, a bath, meditation), some are creative (drawing, writing, knitting) and some are active (going for a walk, going to the gym, swimming). That helps you customize your self-care to match the needs of a given day. Make sense?

[Dandelion]

Makes completely sense thanks you. I express myself through painting and poetry. My eating habits are my main concern.

[Carmen]

Hi Dandelion,

I am so sorry about all that you have been through this past week and weekend. I am glad you are taking time to take care of yourself and that painting and poetry are forms of self care that work for you
What about your eating habits are you concerned about?

[Dandelion]

Ever since the abuse ended I've had this need to have control. Food was my way of having control. As in, I simply won't eat. Not because I think Im fat but I see food as something that controls me that I can control. Right now, I'm doing okay I guess. My friend's mom told me to think of my body as a small child that needs nourishment and I wouldn't deprive it of food. It's been helping me eat at least once a day. But, I know me and it's only a matter of time before that mindset will wear. Also, summer is coming in less than 2 weeks. Which means no school, no routine. I once lost 60 pounds over a summer from not eating. I'm just worried.

[Sam W]

I'm sorry that's something you've been having to deal with. I know we've discussed accessing mental health care in the past. Are you currently seeing a counselor or therapist who you could talk to about the issues you've been having with eating/food?

[Dandelion]

My friend's mom is willing to counsel me. She's a few months from being certified.

[Carmen]

Hi again,
Thank sounds like a great potential resource - have you reached out recently to follow up with her about starting to do that?

[Dandelion]

Yes. I'm talking to her tomorrow morning about meeting next week.

My substitute science teacher also is giving me her contact info so we can stay in touch and can talk over summer. She was the teacher I told. I trust her.

[Karyn]

It's great that you have a couple of different sources of in-person support. I'm glad your teacher is willing to keep in touch with you over the summer if you need it.