When I had a huge panic attack yesterday, I realized I haven't had one in several months (yay!) and it dawned on me that I've been getting a lot better at not lashing out at others as well. I thought maybe we could chat about our coping mechanisms and what's worked for us. 


Mediation - Learning to meditate has been a huge help. Really getting into the basics and learning how to let the thoughts pass by instead of pushing them away or dwelling on them has helped me feel centered and calm and I dare say it's lessened intrusive, obsessive thinking. It's definitely helped me identify it more easily. 
I've been using the free video options on Headspace and Meditation Studio (mobile apps), but there have also been some interesting guided meditations on YouTube that I find really help to get my mind off things. 


Notice the signs, create a new response - this is one of the biggest things that's helped. I notice if I'm too angry when I clench my fists, I notice if I'm obsessing/unfocused when I pace a lot. Noticing these signs, I start to create an automatic response like when I clench my fists it's time to do something physical. Stop everything, and lift weights/do yoga/walk whatever. Today I noticed I had an undying need to call someone to vent about what happened yesterday, and since I've already spoken about it, I knew I needed to journal and meditate. 


Motivational Speeches - these help me with depressive symptoms, lack of self esteem or motivation, can't get out of bed, remembering the saddest shit from my life over and over. I make a playlist on YouTube of my favorites. I recommend Struggle Makes You Stronger https://youtu.be/Wcf5b3mENJU


Journaling - I've been using journals to vent frustrations for years and it's helped me identify triggers/patterns, but I've been wanting to journal with a purpose. I'm not sure what to focus on, so if anyone has any advice, please share!