(October 31, 2012 at 9:53 pm)rainbowdash274 Wrote:(October 31, 2012 at 9:31 pm)festive1 Wrote: I used to isolate a lot. I still do. But it helps to talk with someone I trust when I'm feeling down.
You're right about that one. I'll have to talk to someone I can trust. Lately I don't feel like I can trust talking to my family.Just dealing with some issues lately...
I figured out somewhere between 12-14 that my family wasn't giving me the emotional support I needed. It took a lot longer for me to realize they weren't capable of offering support. My family consists of emotional vampires, who suck almost everything from you. I felt like everything was my fault. If my dad raged, it was because I did something to set him off. The truth is my dad rages because he doesn't know any other way of functioning and coping with his illness and anxiety (he's bipolar). My mom is an emotional void. She's a workaholic who throws herself into her career. Because that's the only sense of validation she has. I used to think it was because I wasn't good enough to receive her love. But the truth is she has a hard time loving herself, and when you don't love yourself, it's very difficult to love anyone else. Family is what you are born into, you get no choice in the matter. Friends are those you can turn to, and you get complete control over who you want to be friends with. What I'm basically saying is: If you can't turn to your family, replace them (for your emotional needs at least) with friends. Can't get blood from a stone.
Another good lesson I've learned is, feelings just are, they don't have to define you. They aren't good or bad, and they don't necessarily reflect reality. Just feel the feelings, then let them go.
I like the music and journalling suggestions too, I've found those to be very helpful for me.
